Ravi Kumar Punia — A Football Warrior’s Journey From Pitch to Podium
Ravi Kumar Punia — A Football Warrior’s Journey From Pitch to Podium
Ravi Kumar Punia : Life, Career & Legacy
Introduction
Ravi Kumar Punia is an Indian football personality — a former professional centre-back and an accomplished football coach who has become one of India’s leading figures in women’s football development. Born on 7 February 1993 in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, India, he has made his mark both on and off the field.
🌟 Ravi Kumar Punia: Biggest Star of Indian Football & Coaching Legend 🌟
🔹 Biography & Career Facts
⚽ Personal & Career Overview
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Ravi Kumar Punia |
| Date of Birth | 7 February 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, India |
| Height | 1.86 m |
| Playing Position | Centre-back |
| Clubs Played For | Bharat, Xavier’s United, Mewar FC, Vijay FC, Rajasthan United, Jaipur United FC, ASL FC |
| Current Involvement | Football coach (Women’s & State teams) |
📊 Playing Career Stats
| Season | Team | Appearances | Goals |
| 2016–2017 | Bharat FC | 8 | 1 |
| 2017–2018 | Xavier’s United FC | 9 | 0 |
| 2018–2019 | Mewar FC | 1 | 0 |
| 2019–2020 | Vijay FC | 25 | 9 |
| 2021–2022 | Rajasthan United | 8 | 0 |
| 2022–2024 | Jaipur United FC | 5 | 2 |
| 2024–2025 | ASL FC | 1 | 0 |
| Total | — | 57 | 12 |
| (Data from player career records) |
📈 Coaching Career Summary
| Team Coached | Years | Achievement | |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli (W) | 2021–2022 | Junior Women Gold | |
| HOPS FC (W) | 2021–2023 | IWL club competition | |
| Haryana (W) | 2022–2024 | Senior Silver & Bronze | |
| Uttar Pradesh (W) | 2024–Present | Sub-Junior success | |
🌱 Early Life & Playing Career
Ravi Kumar Punia grew up in Haryana, where his love for football began at a young age. Starting with school and district football, he progressed through state competitions and eventually turned professional. His journey included playing for several clubs across leagues in India, showing grit and leadership on the defensive line.
🏅 Career Highlights Snapshot
⚽ As a Player
| 🏆 Title Won | Competition Level | Category |
| I-League Qualifiers Champion | National Club Stage | Professional Football |
| All India Inter-University Champion | National University Championship | University Level |
| National Championship Winner | National Tournament | Senior Competition |
🧠 As a Coach (Uttar Pradesh Women’s Team)
| 🏆 Medal | Championship Category | Achievement Level |
| 🥇 Gold | Sub-Junior National Championship | Champions |
| 🥈 Silver | Junior National Championship | Runners-Up |
| 🥉 Bronze | Senior National Championship | Third Place |
🎓 Professional Credentials & Service
| 🎖 Qualification / Role | Details |
| AFC “A” Licensed Coach | Certified by Asian Football Confederation |
| Government Sports Professional | ESIC – Ministry of Labour & Employment (Sports Quota) |
⚽ Professional Playing Journey
Punia played as a centre-back, representing teams such as Bharat FC, Rajasthan United, and other regional clubs. Throughout his playing days, he demonstrated resilience, athleticism, and an eye for tactical defense. His career spanned multiple clubs and leagues, contributing solid performances and becoming a respected defender.
🧠 From Player to Visionary Coach
After a serious injury and time away from playing at peak levels, Punia chose a courageous path — transitioning into coaching, particularly in women’s football, a sector that was emerging but still underdeveloped in India. His deep understanding of the game and leadership skills quickly made him a strong coaching presence.
🏆 Coaching Achievements & Historic Success
Ravi Kumar Punia has achieved a rare and remarkable milestone in Indian women’s football:
- He guided teams to medals across all levels of national women’s championships — Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior categories — a first in Indian football.
- Under his guidance, the Uttar Pradesh girls’ team beat Kerala to success in the Sub-Junior Girls’ National Football Championship.
- He previously led Dadra & Nagar Haveli to Junior National gold, and Haryana women’s team to silver and bronze medals at Senior Nationals.
- In club football, he developed young talent with HOPS FC in the Indian Women’s League.
| 🏆 Team Coached | 🗓️ Tenure | 🏅 Success | |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli (W) | 2021–22 | Gold 🥇 | |
| Haryana (W) | 2022–24 | Silver, Bronze 🔁 | |
| Uttar Pradesh (W) | 2024–25 | Promotion & medals 📈 | |
| HOPS FC (Indian Women’s League) | Multiple years | Developed Youth Talent | |
This consistent record shows his dedication to coaching excellence and player development at every level.
🇮🇳 Passion for Indian Women’s Football
Beyond medals, Punia’s vision extends to national team prospects. After India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, he publicly backed the Indian women’s team to secure a FIFA Women’s World Cup berth in the coming years, expressing confidence in the team’s growth and potential.
🔥 Legacy & Influence
Ravi Kumar Punia’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and impact. From grassroots player to national-level coach, his role in Indian football reflects his belief in nurturing talent, elevating women’s sport, and pioneering progress. His success inspires young athletes and coaches across India, proving that hard work and faith in players can change the face of a sport.
📌 Summary
Ravi Kumar Punia is a true architect of modern Indian football coaching — his work across state teams and women’s football championships has created benchmarks for success. His journey from a centre-back to a coach with historic achievements shows that leadership, passion, and persistence can rewrite history.
Written By
Full Stack Developer and 5-Time World Record Holder, Grandmaster Bikram Sutradhar
SirBikramSutradhar on YouTube
