(April 23, 2024) Growing up in the village of Keirak in Manipur, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu had no clue about football until she discovered the popular sport during a grassroots school sports festival at the age of 12. That got her instantly hooked. Cut to 2024, the 28-year-old has become the second goalkeeper from India to play for a club outside India, and the first Indian to play professional football in Australia. Excited for the opportunity, she said, “I’ve always dreamed of playing abroad and this is a great opportunity for me.”
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Though she has begun her international inning with Metro United WFC in the South Australian League, she is set to undergo training with A-League outfit Adelaide United whose coach Adrian Stenta noticed her talent during the ‘Women in Sports’ elite footballs trials held in Kolkata in 2023.
Serendipity led to her passion
For someone who hails from a family that had nothing to do with sports, getting into football was a serendipitous encounter. It was the grassroots festival that turned out to be the perfect opportunity to try something new and she instantly knew she had found her calling. Her coach had put her on the left wing but after the goalkeeper was left retired hurt, she decided to fill in her shoes, and that was the beginning of her journey in the world of football. Though she was new to the game and didn’t understand the intricacies of it initially, her only aim on the field was to not let any ball through on her watch. “That was the beginning of my journey, and I have stayed on course since then. It has taken a lot of hard work and struggle, but that’s what makes it worth it,” she said in an interview.
Panthoi Chanu
Each day, she would take the 5 am bus from her remote village to travel 50 km to Imphal to reach the football academy for her training. A fast learner, she picked up the game quickly, and within a year of taking up the sport, she made it to the Manipur junior state team and the Indian junior national camp. Though she comes from a family of doctors and engineers, she found support in her parents and siblings. “I’m the only one who is in sports in my family. So, my father told me that it doesn’t matter what I’m doing, that if I work hard at my profession, I will succeed and show the world what Manipur girls can do. My parents wanted me to be an example for the girls in my village,” Panthoi had said.
Acing the game of football
Panthoi began her career at the Women’s Football Academy in the Kakching district of Manipur, where she honed her skills for four years. Subsequently, she transitioned to Eastern Sporting Union in 2012 before joining Manipur Police. In 2014, she broke into the Indian national team, however, she had to patiently wait for a long time to find a permanent position because of the presence of other talented and experienced goalkeepers. But a shinbone injury in 2021 was a major setback as many had already written her off. But she was determined to return stronger. “Apart from the team training, I would do my individual training as well. Every day I reserve at least 30 minutes for running, and do my drills, conditioning, and training for two hours apart from the practice with the team,” she said.
Over the past few years, Panthoi has risen as India’s premier goalkeeper and was a key member of the team that secured the runner-up position at the Turkish Women’s Cup held in February. Her extensive experience in international football was a decisive factor for Metro United, who discovered her talent through the Women in Sports football clinic.
During her debut in Australia, Panthoi and her team conceded two goals. But she hopes to make a mark by the end of the season. “It is definitely exciting playing in Australia. This is a very important assignment for me and to do it well, I know I have to work hard. This is a stepping stone for me. But my dream is not restricted to playing in one country.”
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