Introducing Panthoi Chanu, the first Indian to participate in the Australian Football League
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, from Manipur, made history as the first Indian to join the Australian Football League. She recently signed with Metro United WFC for the South Australian Women’s National Premier League, starting her new journey. She’ll also train with Adelaide United FC, as shared by Paul Morris, the head coach of Metro United WFC. Chanu, who plays as a goalkeeper for the Indian Women’s National Team, has been with Eastern Sporting Union in Imphal.
Now, Chanu is the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Australia. Her contract with Metro United WFC means she’ll play in 18 matches in the National Premier Leagues Women’s league in South Australia. Training with Adelaide United FC will give her more chances to improve and grow in her football career.
Chanu’s journey shows dedication, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence in sports. Her achievements inspire not only aspiring footballers in India but also athletes worldwide, proving that determination and passion can make dreams come true in the world of sports.
Chanu’s achievements include being named Emerging Player of the Year in 2017 and Best Goalkeeper for two years in a row at the India Women’s Leagues , as well as being named Manipur Footballer of the Year in 2018.
Born on February 1, 1996, in the village of Keirak, Manipur, Chanu started playing football at the Women’s Football Academy Kakching before joining Eastern Sporting Union (ESU) in 2012. She played for ESU and Manipur Police in various leagues, showing her talent and passion for the game. Chanu’s journey in Indian football took a big step forward when she was chosen for the Rio Olympics Qualifiers squad at just 19 years old. Despite facing challenges like COVID-19 lockdowns and a shin injury in 2021, she stayed determined and focused. Her international career grew in 2022 when she went to Spain for trials with teams in Liga F, alongside India team striker Bala Devi.
Now, Chanu is the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Australia. Her contract with Metro United WFC means she’ll play in 18 matches in the National Premier Leagues Women’s league in South Australia. Training with Adelaide United FC will give her more chances to improve and grow in her football career.
Chanu’s journey shows dedication, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence in sports. Her achievements inspire not only aspiring footballers in India but also athletes worldwide, proving that determination and passion can make dreams come true in the world of sports.
REpurposed article originally published in She The people
