Uvena Fernandes on Friday achieved the distinction of becoming the first Indian official to take part in a final of a FIFA-affiliated event after being chosen as an assistant for the final of the women's Under-17 World Cup between Japan and North Korea that will be played on the same day in Amman, Jordan.
The Goa-based football official had earlier become the first Indian woman to officiate in a FIFA event and has already officiated three matches in the tournament.
The All India Football Federation’s Head of Referees Goutam Kar, who was an official in the 2002 World Cup, hailed Fernandes' selection for the final as a "historic moment in Indian football" and called her a role model.
“Her success at that level in refereeing is completely due to her own commitment, diligence and faith in herself. She is role model for younger generation of referees and we hope she can inspire more women to take up refereeing,” Kar was quoted as saying, by AIFF.
The veteran official added that that the Indian board will look to produce more officials of Fernandes' ilk. “The AIFF is committed to support each and every referee for his or her growth and we hope to produce many more Uvenas in the coming future”.
