HOPS FC have secured promotion to the Indian Women’s League. They completed an unbeaten IWL 2 final round in Bengaluru. The Delhi club won five games. They scored eight goals. They did not concede. The trust-run side again reached India’s top women’s division.
The club operates without corporate backing. It follows a grassroots model. Founder Sanjay Yadav started the project almost two decades ago. His aim was clear. He wanted more football chances for girls. Promotion continues that mission, beyond only sporting success.
Grassroots origins and trust-based structure
Sanjay Yadav works as an engineer in a government organisation. He has been active in football development since 2008. Through the Dharam Foundation Trust, he created House of Power Soccer Football Club. The club is widely known as HOPS FC.
Officially registered in 2017, HOPS FC earlier operated as South West Delhi FC. It has facilities in Paprawat Village, Najafgarh, New Delhi. The club later developed a four-acre training ground in Alakhpura Village, Bhiwani, Haryana. The system targets rural and financially weak talent.
HOPS FC provides free training and accommodation. Players receive medical and rehabilitation support. This includes help for ACL and ligament injuries and surgeries. The club also assists with career opportunities. Many players come from villages and struggling families. Football offers them national exposure and job chances.
Rise through Delhi leagues and first IWL spell
HOPS FC entered the Delhi Senior Women’s League in 2020. They won their only match 11-1. The competition then stopped because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020-21, they reached the Senior Women’s Delhi League final in their first full season.
The club finished third in the 2021-22 Senior Women’s Delhi League. In 2022-23, they won the first Delhi Women’s Premier League. HOPS FC won every match. That title confirmed their first Indian Women’s League qualification and national attention.
In their debut IWL season, HOPS FC impressed. They finished fourth in Group A. They reached the knockout stage. Their run ended in the quarterfinals. In 2023-24, they placed fifth in the Indian Women’s League. The club was then seen among India’s leading women’s sides.
Relegation setback and coaching reset
The 2024-25 Indian Women’s League season brought difficulties. HOPS FC finished bottom of the table. They were relegated to IWL 2. The club did not abandon the project. Instead, management chose to rebuild the squad and structure.
They appointed coach Ravi Kumar Punia before the new season. He was known for domestic success and disciplined teams. Senior coach Sonika Vijarniya joined the effort. Together, they were asked to revive HOPS FC. Restoring belief within the group was the clear priority.
Dominant IWL 2 qualifying and final round
The response under the new coaches was immediate. HOPS FC topped Group B in qualifying. They won all four matches. That strong run sent them into the final round in Bengaluru. Confidence and momentum both remained high as the level increased.
| Stage | Opponent | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final round | Krida Prabodhini | Win | 3-0 |
| Final round | Mumbai Knights | Win | 2-0 |
| Final round | Kemp FC | Win | 1-0 |
| Final round | Suruchi Sangha | Win | 1-0 |
| Final round | Juba Sangha | Win | 1-0 |
HOPS FC faced Juba Sangha, Kemp FC, Krida Prabodhini, Mumbai Knights, and Suruchi Sangha. They showed defensive control and calmness. The team finished with five wins from five games. They scored eight goals. They kept five clean sheets. Their 15 points secured the title and promotion.
Emotional impact and defensive strength
Coach Sonika Vijarniya underlined the promotion’s emotional value. Many players fight to even stay in sport. She said they sacrificed plenty to continue football. She felt the success rewarded that resilience. The camp atmosphere stayed positive. Focus on the target never dropped.
Coach Ravi Kumar Punia praised the squad’s mentality. He said the main aim was restoring belief. Players showed strong discipline, fitness, and desire. He highlighted the defensive structure and mindset. Passing the final round without conceding showed a complete group effort.
Broader impact on Indian women’s football
HOPS FC’s work reaches beyond match results. Several academy players have represented India in youth events. That includes appearances at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The club supports girls aiming for professional and national careers through long-term training.
Girls linked with HOPS FC gain jobs through the sports quota. Roles include players, coaches, referees, and managers. They serve in Group C and Group D posts. Employers include State Governments, the Armed Forces, clubs, and the Central Government. More than 60 girls have secured such posts.
The Dharam Foundation also helps with coaching and referee licences. More than 40 girls have finished these courses. The club raises cases of needy players. Support then comes from the Sports Ministry, Dharam Foundation, and sports patrons. Free stay and meals during travel are also arranged.
Trust-run model and future goals
HOPS FC mainly runs through a trust-based ownership model. Commercial investors do not drive the project. They were the only trust-based team in the 2023-24 Indian Women’s League. This structure shapes decisions around access, welfare, and long-term community impact.
For Sanjay Yadav, promotion is another step in a larger journey. He wants a sustainable football culture for girls. The aim is simple. Talented players from small towns should dream of professional careers. The new IWL season now offers another test of that vision.
Story first published: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 14:19 [IST]
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