MITHILA RAMANI
“Investing in leadership pipelines, mentorship and long-term roles for women within systems is critical.”
Meet Mithila Ramani, a professional footballer from Bangalore and an international player for the India Women’s Futsal Team. Drawing on experiences as an athlete, alongside a background in engineering and sports management, she is passionate about shaping the future of women’s football in India through athlete development, performance, leadership, and storytelling.
"I've had multiple moments throughout my life that have shaped my perception of sport.
It started at school when I first picked up football, helped form the first-ever girls' football team at my school, and competed all the way to the national level.
“Another defining moment was making the decision to pursue my passion for sport, both on and off the field, even after graduating with an engineering degree.
Playing my first club football match was another milestone. From that moment on, I never looked back.
I also had the opportunity to travel to Europe as part of my course at AISTS India, where I visited the FIFA Museum, the IOC headquarters, Allianz Arena, and watched women's football matches across several cities. Experiencing the global sport ecosystem firsthand broadened my perspective on the impact and potential of sport.
Finally, wearing the India jersey and representing my country at the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship was the realisation of a lifelong dream and a moment I will always cherish."
WOMEN IN SPORT LEADERSHIP
“Sports organisations need to move beyond token representation and actively create pathways for women, especially former players and experienced sport management professionals, to enter decision-making roles. In women’s football, both in India and globally, many decisions are still made without enough player context. Investing in leadership pipelines, mentorship, and long-term roles for women within systems like the AIFF is critical. Representation, according to me, isn’t just about inclusion; it directly impacts how relevant and effective decisions are for the growth of the game.”
NAVIGATING SPORT GOVERNANCE
“As a player and sport management professional in women’s football in India, navigating governance often means working within systems that are still evolving and not always athlete-centric. I’ve learned to stay informed, ask questions, and understand how structures, from club level to federations like the AIFF, influence our opportunities. While it can be complex, this awareness helps me advocate better for myself and my team. It has also pushed me to think about contributing to governance in the future, rather than simply adapting to it.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN SPORT
“For young women aspiring to work in the sports industry, my advice would be to not limit yourself to one path. Explore the sport from different angles. Play, study, observe, create and engage with the ecosystem beyond just your role. Build both competence and confidence because the industry often tests both.”
“I see myself not just as a player, but as someone invested in contributing to how women’s football evolves in India, both on and beyond the pitch.”
