Wed Dec 31 14:25:25 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

The All India Football Federation announced that FIFA has added three more Indian referees to its international list for 2026, including Rachana Kamani, a woman referee from Gujarat. Ashwin Kumar and Aditya Purkayastha also join the list of men referees. In addition, two Indians, Muralitharan Pandurangan and Peter Christopher, have been inducted as FIFA Assistant Referees. This brings the total number of Indian match officials on FIFA’s international list for 2026 to 19.

News Article:

Three More Indians Added to FIFA Referee List for 2026; Total Reaches 19

New Delhi – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced Wednesday that FIFA has inducted three more Indian referees, including one woman, onto its prestigious international list of match officials for 2026. This brings the total number of Indian representatives on the list to 19.

Rachana Kamani from Gujarat becomes one of India’s representatives as a FIFA woman referee, joining the roster for the 2026 season. Ashwin Kumar (Puducherry) and Aditya Purkayastha (Delhi) have also been added to the men’s list. Kumar and Purkayastha recently completed their AFC Referee Academy course in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while Kamani is currently undergoing the same rigorous training.

Adding to India’s representation, Muralitharan Pandurangan (Puducherry) and Peter Christopher (Maharashtra) have been inducted as FIFA Assistant Referees.

The expanded list of Indian match officials signifies a growing recognition of Indian talent within the international football community. The complete list for 2026 includes established names and promising new additions, demonstrating a continued commitment to developing and promoting football officiating within India.

Read More