Imphal: Tekcham Ranjita Devi became the second woman referee from the state after Ch. Keilyani Chanu to be awarded the Fifa Referee Badge.

Ranjita's name was approved by the Fifa Referees Committee for 2018.

Keilyani is no longer active, making Ranjita the only active Fifa referee of India at present. Two other women, Uvena Fernandes and Riiohlang Dhar, are in the Fifa panel as assistant referees currently.

Ranjita, enrolled as state class III referee in 2007, had passed National Grade (Category II) in 2016. Since then she has officiated in four international matches, including three as assistant referee and one as referee. She also officiated in 51 national-level tournaments and various state and Inter University matches.

Ranjita, 32, hails from Kongjam Bazar in Thoubal district and is currently serving as a woman constable in the 9th Indian Reserve Battalion.

Ranjita told The Telegraph: "I am so happy on being awarded the Fifa Referee Badge. I feel like my hard work has finally being rewarded."

Ranjita is currently in Maharashtra officiating at the Hero Indian Women League at Kolhapur.

The All Manipur Football Association and The Football Referees Welfare Committee, Manipur, hailed her achievement.