Shatipriya Roychowdhury

Dibrugarh-born sports professional Pizza Bharali has achieved another remarkable milestone by being selected for the Fan Operations and Guest Experience Team of the FIFA World Cup, one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

Her selection reflects not only her expertise in sports management but also her years of dedication to athletics, event operations, and sports marketing on the global stage.

A former national-level badminton champion from Assam, Pizza first gained national recognition when she won the doubles title at the National Badminton Championship alongside Olympian Saina Nehwal. During a competitive career spanning more than 15 years, she represented India at various levels and earned several national honours, including gold medals and titles in major badminton tournaments.

After completing her competitive career, Pizza turned her attention to sports management. She moved to the United States and earned a Master's degree in Sports Management from DePaul University in Chicago, a leading institution known for its sports business programmes.

While pursuing her studies, she demonstrated leadership beyond the classroom by establishing a badminton club at the university. The initiative helped bring together students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds through the shared spirit of sport, further strengthening her reputation as a sports organiser and community builder.

Over the years, Pizza has built an impressive career in sports marketing, fan engagement and event management. She has worked with some of the biggest sporting events in the United States, including Formula One's Miami Grand Prix and NASCAR Chicago. Her responsibilities involved fan and campus operations, guest services and event coordination, areas that are increasingly important in delivering world-class sporting experiences.

She has also played a significant role in organising and managing several events associated with the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson, further expanding her expertise in large-scale event operations.

Currently based in Chicago, Pizza is the daughter of Deepak Kumar Bharali of Dibrugarh. Friends and family recall that she displayed an extraordinary passion for sports from an early age, a passion that ultimately shaped her professional journey from the badminton courts of Assam to some of the world's biggest sporting venues.

Her inclusion in the FIFA World Cup Fan Operations and Guest Experience Team has brought pride not only to Assam but also to India's sporting community. As global sporting events increasingly focus on enhancing the experience of fans and visitors, professionals like Pizza are playing a crucial role behind the scenes.

Describing her appointment as a "dream come true," Pizza said that being associated with the FIFA World Cup—the world's most celebrated football tournament—is an honour she has always aspired to achieve.

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Her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes, demonstrating that opportunities in sports extend far beyond competition and that dedication, education and professional excellence can open doors to the highest levels of international sport.