Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh’s Diana Taying has become the first woman football referee from the state to officiate a match at the national level.
Taking to X, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu wrote, “Kudos to Diana Taying for Making History as Arunachal’s #FirstWomanFootballReferee at National-Level!”
“At just 26, she officiated at the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar, demonstrating immense dedication & excellence. Wishing her success in breaking barriers and inspiring others!” he said.
She officiated as an assistant referee during the Khelo India Youth Games fixture between Manipur and Andhra Pradesh in Bihar. The match, held on Monday at the IOCL Barauni ground in Begusarai, saw Manipur triumph with a 3-0 scoreline.
Earlier in March of this year, Taying passed the All India Football Federation’s National Football Referee Examination in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, which included both physical and written assessments.
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Hailing from Miglung village in Bilat in East Siang district, the 26-year-old holds degrees in BA, BPEd, and MA in sports psychology.
