At five feet seven inches tall, Indian footballer Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, who currently plays for the South Australia WNPL club Metro United WFC, considers herself short compared to her tall relatives on her father’s side. However, in her football career, she is standing tall and making impressive strides.
This March, Metro United FC Women Football Club, a professional soccer team based in South Australia, welcomed Panthoi into their family. She was recruited by head coach Paul Morris during the Women in Sports Elite Football Trials held in October 2023.
With this move, Panthoi has made history, becoming the second goalkeeper from India to play for a club outside the country and the first Indian to play professional football in Australia.
Over Zoom from Adelaide, where she is based, Panthoi tells The Indian Sun she is enjoying her stint in Australia. “The people are very nice. I had no idea how things would be, but everyone is helping me a lot. I have also made friends with my teammates and recently reconnected with someone I played with at a U-13 game in India back in 2008.”
When asked about her feelings on being the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Australia, Panthoi reflects, “It’s difficult to put into words because behind my achievements, there are many people who have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. Being the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Australia is beyond a dream—it signifies the hard work invested in reaching the peak. When I received this news, I was both surprised and very happy.”
Panthoi’s football journey started in the remote northeastern Indian state of Manipur, where, unfortunately, her family also endured the challenges of ongoing unrest. “It was a difficult time in Manipur but what kept me strong were the support from my family and the love of playing football. But the situation is much better now, and hopefully everything will be fine soon,” she says.
Panthoi started playing at the age of ten. She found joy in kicking the ball around after school, often following her older brother and other boys on the village ground in Keirak, Thoubal district. While she enjoyed various sports, she set her heart on football, leading her to join the Women’s Football Academy in Kakching from 2008 to 2012 before moving to Eastern Sporting Union.
That same year, she was selected for the U13 national team, later demonstrating remarkable potential and dedication in the U14, U16, and U19 national teams. Her hard work and skill on the field led to her first game with the Senior National team in 2014. “It was like a dream come true,” she says, adding, “It was the gruelling training and practice at the academy that prepared me well.”
Over the years, Panthoi has played an important role in representing India in many international football events, including friendly matches, Asian Cup Games, Olympic Qualifiers, and other tournaments.
Panthoi says she initially had no idea about positions and playing styles. She used to play as a left winger but soon realised she loved defending the ball in the nets. She embraced the challenges and, in her own words, “I had a fighting spirit.” This determination made her one of India’s noted goalkeepers.
“Being part of the squad for Rio Olympics 2016 felt like a dream because very few people get this opportunity among the population India has,” she reflects.
She has had her fair share of injuries, with the most notable one occurring in 2012, a period she recalls with a touch of melancholy. During this time, she felt she did not receive the support she needed, and some people expressed less confidence in her. “I was determined to get better and prove myself on the field,” she says.
In Australia, amid a team packed with talented players, Panthoi has received praise for her strength, footwork, and coordination. “I don’t know what they feel my strongest point is, but I was told I had this rare combination in a goalkeeper,” she modestly says when asked.
Panthoi’s contract ends in September, and she hopes more Indian players get the opportunity to train abroad. “There is a different playing style and culture here in Australia. There is a lot of advanced equipment and well-trained coaches who help me reach my full potential.
“The experience in Australia will significantly impact my role as an international goalkeeper. Working with well-trained goalkeeping coaches who possess extensive experience will undoubtedly benefit me in the future as well,” she remarks.
Her Australian adventure occasionally stirs up a longing for home-cooked meals, so she does make her own meals few tines a week, she shares with a laugh.
Rest assured, Panthoi aims to inspire all girls who aspire to achieve their dreams. “Because nothing is impossible if your head is in the right direction. And make your family and country proud.”
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