This article requires pre-publication review by an uninvolved reviewer (one not substantially involved in writing the article). –Article last amended: Jul 7 at 17:03:32 UTC (history) |
| This article requires pre-publication review by an uninvolved reviewer (one not substantially involved in writing the article). –Article last amended: Jul 7 at 17:03:32 UTC (history) |
Monday, July 7, 2025
Ravi Kumar Punia: From national footballer to one of India’s rising coaches in women’s football
Ravi Kumar Punia, a former professional footballer turned coach, has steadily carved out a name for himself in Indian football through his dedication to grassroots development, women’s football, and technical excellence. Known for his tactical clarity and leadership, Punia is now recognized as one of the youngest and most promising coaches in the Indian football circuit.
Born in Haryana, Punia began his playing career as a centre-back, featuring for clubs such as Bharat FC, Rajasthan United FC, and Vijay FC. He made appearances in the I-League and various state and regional competitions. However, a series of injuries during his playing years forced him to retire early — which ultimately opened the door to a new path in coaching.
His transition into coaching was immediate and impactful. In 2022, Punia led the **Dadra and Nagar Haveli U17 girls’ team** to a historic **Junior Girls’ National Football Championship victory**, defeating several traditional powerhouses. His tactical approach and discipline were lauded by players and analysts alike.
In 2023, he was appointed as the **head coach of Haryana’s senior women’s team**, where he guided them to a **runner-up finish in the 2023–24 Senior Women’s NFC**, followed by a **bronze medal in the 2024–25 edition**. These back-to-back podium finishes brought Haryana back to national prominence in women’s football.
Parallelly, he managed **HOPS FC** in the **Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2023–24**, a stint marked by structured gameplay and high pressing. Speaking to *Khel Now*, Punia shared his core philosophy:
> *“India’s women footballers have the talent — they just need structure, trust, and more match time.”*
In 2025, Punia was named the **head coach of the Uttar Pradesh senior women’s football team**, continuing his mission to uplift emerging footballing regions and develop competitive women’s teams at the national level. His work across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has been credited with identifying raw talent and improving grassroots scouting systems.
Across his coaching career, Punia has managed **over 80 official matches** spanning five teams — including national-level state sides and professional IWL/I-League clubs — earning him a reputation as a methodical and development-focused coach.
With years of playing and coaching experience, media visibility, and results to back his resume, **Ravi Kumar Punia now stands among the most respected emerging football coaches in India**.
