Amelia Valverde Appointed Head Coach of Indian Women’s Football Team | 23 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially appointed Amelia Valverde as the head coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National Team. 

Key Points: 

• Profile of Amelia Valverde: A highly experienced Costa Rican coach, Valverde is best known for her long tenure with the Costa Rica Women’s National Team, where she served as head coach from 2015 to 2023. 
• Historical Achievements: She successfully led Costa Rica to the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2023. 
• Vision 2047 Alignment: The appointment aligns with AIFF’s 'Vision 2047' roadmap, which seeks to make India a major footballing power in Asia and eventually qualify for the FIFA World Cup. 
• Focus on Infrastructure: Beyond coaching, Valverde is expected to contribute to the structural development of the women's game, including the Indian Women’s League (IWL). 
• Global Recognition: Bringing in a coach with World Cup experience signals India's intent to become a competitive force in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) region. 
• Sports Governance in India: The role of national federations (AIFF) in leveraging foreign expertise to build indigenous talent pools and sustainable sporting ecosystems.