Harpal Singh Bedi

NEW DELHI: The12-team Hero Indian Women’s League will kick off in Ludhiana, Punjab on Sunday, May 5.

Defending champions Rising Student’s Club kick-start the Hero IWL edition as they face-off against Gokulam Kerala FC on Sunday.

The teams are divided into two groups of six each, are set to participate in the tournament. Group I consist of Rising Student’s Club, Gokulam, FC Alakhpura, Hans Women Football Club, Central SSB Women Football Club and Panjim Footballers. Meanwhile,

Group II consists of Manipur Police, Sethu FC Bangalore United FC, SAI-STC Cuttack, FC Kolhapur City, and Baroda Football Academy.

“Women’s football in our country is going through an exciting phase. We have seen the Indian Women’s Team produce some great results at the International front,” said All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das.

“We are sure to see the rise of more talented players in the third season of the Hero Indian Women’s League. I would like to thank the Punjab Football Association for their support in hosting the IWL, and wish the participating clubs all the best for the tournament in Ludhiana,” he added