Jamshedpur, December 8: For Puja Soy, scoring four goals in the opening match of the Transgender League felt less like a personal milestone and more like the beginning of a new identity, not as a transgender woman, but as a footballer finally recognised on the stage she had long dreamed of. “Football is such a beautiful sport, and for the first time, I felt like I wasn’t being seen for my gender, but for my game,” she said, her eyes still bright from Jamshedpur FT’s 7–0 triumph over Chaibasa FC.
That sentiment captures the essence of the Jamshedpur Super League’s newest chapter. The Transgender League, introduced within the JSL’s broader philosophy of inclusivity and football for all, has quickly become a symbol of what sport can achieve when barriers are removed. It goes beyond communities, labels, or social boundaries, standing today as one of the very few dedicated football leagues for the transgender community in India.
The first week at the JRD Tata Sports Complex reflected exactly that spirit. There was pace, there was passion, and above all, there was a sense of belonging many players had never experienced before. Kolhan Tiger FC announced themselves with a commanding 3–0 win over Chakradharpur FC, while Jamshedpur Indranagar FC and Noaumandi FC delivered a gritty 0–0 draw that showcased the competitive edge already built within the league.
But behind the scorelines, the emotional weight of the opportunity was unmistakable. “This is the first time we are playing in a proper professional environment,” said Aliya, another participant in the league. “The support from the club and the fans makes us feel like we truly belong to the football family.”
The league features seven teams, Jamshedpur FT, Chaibasa FC, Chakradharpur FC, Jamshedpur Indranagar FC, Naomundi FC, Saraikela FC and Kolhan Tiger FC, made up of 70 players who come from all walks of life. Some of them are Tata Steel employees, daily-wage labourers, small business workers, and others who simply wanted a chance to play. The five-a-side format ensures every team will get 12 matches, with the league comprising 42 fixtures in total.
For many of these players, participation itself is a liberation. “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, India’s first Transgender League,” said Pyari Hessa, captain of Jamshedpur FT. “It gives us a platform we never had before and will hopefully inspire other states to create similar spaces. We’re very grateful to Jamshedpur FC for making this possible.”
"The introduction of the Transgender Football League marks a progressive and meaningful step in our commitment to making football inclusive, accessible, and empowering for every individual. As the club we firmly believe that football must serve as a platform where talent is nurtured without discrimination, and where all players regardless of gender identity are given equal opportunities to participate, compete, and excel. This League reinforces our academy’s belief that sport can lead to societal change."- explained Kundan Chandra, Head of Grassroots & Youth Football.
More than another category within the JSL, the Transgender League has become a powerful statement that reflects Jamshedpur’s progressive sporting culture and JFC’s commitment to broadening football’s reach. As the league continues in the coming days, the players walk out not just to compete, but to claim their place in the football landscape, proving that the game truly belongs to everyone and hoping that more clubs across the country open up similar pathways of inclusion.
