Odisha Sports will not participate in the upcoming IWL season. Due to failure to submit necessary documents and complete registration on time, Odisha Sports has been disqualified from the country’s only professional women’s football league. While clubs like Odisha FC are participating, Odisha Sports, representing the Odisha government, is unfortunately unable to compete, a senior football coach remarked. Many players gain opportunities to play through this league. Odisha has previously performed well in this league, making it disappointing that the team won’t participate this year.
Sports Odisha had entered the IWL in the 2021-22 season, finishing fourth, and qualified for the 2022-23 season. The team reached the quarterfinals last season. They also secured direct qualification for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons but are now disqualified due to lack of registration despite consistent performance.
There is a pressing question on how national-level players will be developed if they cannot participate in leagues like IWL. It is now under investigation why the registration for IWL was not completed.
