ISL: Odisha FC recently announced the launch of senior women's team

Indian Super League (ISL) side, Odisha FC on Sunday announced the launch of their Senior Women’s team, with the management marking the launch of the women's team on the occasion of ‘Rath Yatra’, which is an auspicious day for all Odias.

The club released a video to mark their entry into the women's game while also revealing that they had roped in A-licensed coach and former player, Crispin Chettri as the first head coach of the women's team.

Chettri had a successful season as the Head Coach of Sethu FC, ending his stint at the Madurai-based club as Runner-up in the recently concluded Indian Women’s League (IWL). Odisha is not new to the ex-Mohun Bagan player, as he was the Odisha State Women’s team coach that had a successful run in the Senior Women's National Football Championship last year.

“I’m very excited that OFC Women is starting officially! We are building a team to go for the IWL trophy. So, we aren’t just checking a box to check a box," club owner, Rohan Sharma tweeted while club president, Raj Athwal said, "We are proud and delighted to launch the Odisha FC Women's team. The club are totally committed to providing a pathway for local girls to play the beautiful game and hope that our club can help grow the women's game in the state of Odisha."

Odisha FC Women will participate in the next Odisha Women’s League, in order to compete and win the tournament - which will ensure that they qualify for the IWL through the State Qualifiers.