The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have been awarded the hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 Finals, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed on Friday. The decision was taken by the AFC Women’s Football Committee and will mark the second time that India will host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.  

In a letter to the AIFF, AFC’s General Secretary, Dato Windsor John wrote, “The Committee awarded the hosting rights of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 Finals to the All India Football Federation.”

AIFF’s President Mr Praful Patel welcomed the announcement and thanked the AFC for naming India as hosts. “I need to thank the Asian Football Confederation for finding us suitable to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2022. The tournament will galvanise the aspiring women players and bring in a holistic social revolution as far as women’s football in the country is concerned,” he said.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 will feature 12 teams with India qualifying directly as the host nation. India last hosted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 1979 when they finished as runners-up. The Blue Tigresses also finished as runners-up and in third spot in the 1983 and 1981 editions of the tournament respectively.

AIFF General Secretary, Mr Kushal Das felt that the tournament will go a long way towards popularizing and developing women’s football in India. “The tournament will play a huge role in further popularising women’s football in India. The Women’s Asian Cup 2022 comes on the back of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020, and will help us sustain, and build on the momentum gained,” he said.

“Development of women’s football remains one of our foremost priorities. I need to thank the AFC for granting us the rights and urge all stakeholders to work together for the successful organisation of the mega event.” Mr Das added.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup comes as the latest boost to the AIFF with India also slated to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup next year. India had also previously hosted the AFC U-16 Championships in 2016 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 successfully.