From Relegation to Redemption: HOPS FC Return to Indian Women’s League with Unbeaten Campaign

For a club built on grassroots ideals rather than corporate investment, the journey of HOPS FC has never followed a conventional path.

After suffering relegation from the Indian Women’s League last season, the Delhi-based side has now completed a remarkable comeback, securing promotion back to the top division following an unbeaten title-winning campaign in the IWL 2 final round in Bengaluru. The promotion marks another major chapter in a project that began nearly two decades ago with a vision far bigger than football itself.

Founded by Sanjay Yadav through the Dharam Foundation Trust, HOPS FC was created with the aim of using football as a platform for women’s empowerment and opportunity. What started as a grassroots initiative has gradually evolved into one of the most respected women’s football structures in the country.

Yadav, who continues to work as an engineer in a government organisation, first became involved in football development in 2008. The club was officially registered in 2017 under the name South West Delhi FC before later becoming widely recognised as HOPS FC House of Power Soccer Football Club.

Operating initially from Paprawat Village in Najafgarh before expanding into a four-acre training ground in Bhiwani, Haryana, the club focused heavily on identifying talent from rural and financially struggling backgrounds. Beyond football training, the project also began providing accommodation, education support, medical assistance and rehabilitation for injured players.

That wider social mission remains central to the club even today.

On the pitch, HOPS FC steadily grew into a competitive force within Indian women’s football. Their rise accelerated after reaching the final of the Delhi Senior Women’s League in their debut season before eventually winning the inaugural Delhi Women’s Premier League in 2022-23 without losing a single match. That triumph secured qualification for the Indian Women’s League.

The club impressed immediately during its first IWL campaign, reaching the knockout stages before eventually finishing fifth in the following season. But momentum stalled during the 2024-25 campaign. HOPS FC struggled throughout the season and eventually finished bottom of the table, suffering relegation to the second division. For many clubs, relegation often leads to dismantling squads, financial uncertainty and instability.

Instead, HOPS FC chose to rebuild.

The club appointed coach Ravi Kumar Punia ahead of the new season alongside senior coach Sonika Vijarniya, placing faith in a long-term process rather than short-term panic. The response from the squad was immediate. HOPS FC dominated Group B during the qualifying stage, winning all four matches comfortably to qualify for the final round in Bengaluru. More importantly, the team began developing a defensive identity that would define its promotion-winning campaign.

Facing teams like Juba Sangha, Kemp FC, Mumbai Knights, Suruchi Sangha and Krida Prabodhini in the final round, HOPS FC looked composed throughout the tournament. They opened with a 3-0 win over Krida Prabodhini before defeating Mumbai Knights 2-0 and edging Kemp FC 1-0. Narrow but disciplined victories over Suruchi Sangha and title rivals Juba Sangha completed a perfect campaign.

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The statistics behind the run were remarkable. HOPS FC finished the tournament with five wins from five matches, scored eight goals and, most impressively, did not concede a single goal during the entire final round.

That defensive solidity became the foundation of their promotion push.

Coach Ravi Kumar Punia later praised the mentality and discipline shown by the squad throughout the competition, especially during tight matches where defensive concentration became crucial. Senior coach Sonika Vijarniya also highlighted the emotional significance of the achievement for several players who had overcome personal and financial struggles to continue pursuing football careers.

In many ways, HOPS FC’s success story extends far beyond results on the field. Over the years, the club has contributed significantly to Indian women’s football development. Several players developed through the system have represented India at youth international level, including the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup setup. The club has also helped more than 60 girls secure government jobs through sports quotas while supporting coaching licences, referee courses and educational opportunities. More than 40 girls associated with the project have completed coaching or referee certifications through the club’s support structure.

That broader ecosystem makes HOPS FC unique within Indian football.

Unlike many clubs operating under commercial ownership models, HOPS FC continues functioning primarily through a trust-based structure focused equally on social development and sporting progress. During the 2023-24 Indian Women’s League season, they were the only trust-based club competing in the top division.

For founder Sanjay Yadav, promotion back to the IWL represents more than simply returning to the top tier.

It validates the belief that grassroots development, patience and community-driven football projects can still succeed in Indian football.

After experiencing both national success and relegation over the last few years, HOPS FC’s return to the Indian Women’s League now stands as a story of resilience and long-term vision.

And for one of India’s most unique women’s football projects, the next chapter may only just be beginning.