In a groundbreaking development for Indian football, Manipur's Panthoi Chanu has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian footballer to secure a professional contract in the Australian league. The remarkable achievement of the current goalkeeper for the Indian national team comes as a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport.
Representing Metro United WFC in the South Australian Women’s National Premier League, Chanu's signing marks a significant milestone for Indian footballers aspiring to play abroad. Her journey to Australia follows an impressive display of goalkeeping skills during India's recent matches against Kosovo and Hong Kong in Turkey.
Panthoi’s path to success was paved through the 'Women in Sports Elite Football Trials, second edition,' where she stood out among 27 participants. Organised collaboratively by Women in Sports, the AMPL Foundation, and the Football Players’ Association of India, the trials aimed to provide opportunities for female footballers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Adelaide United FC took notice of the Indian goalkeeper during a trial attended by head coaches from renowned teams such as Western United FC Melbourne, Perth SC, WFC Dinamo Zagreb, and Marbella FC. Their recommendation led Chanu to Metro United WFC, where she will don the gloves until the conclusion of the season in September 2024.
Speaking about her historic move, Panthoi Chanu, the current Indian Goalkeeper said, "I am very happy to have signed for Metro United WFC and would like to thank the club management and Head Coach Paul Morris for putting their trust in me. I hope to do well and make my country proud. This has been my dream to push myself to higher levels and I hope I can do justice to this opportunity".
Paul Morris, Head coach, Metro United WFC said, “We are delighted to have signed Panthoi for the 2024 WNPL season here at Adelaide. She is a top class goalkeeper with international experience, she possesses all the qualities you look for in a goalkeeper and will be a great addition to our squad, everyone associated with Metro United is looking forward to welcoming Panthoi”.
Sanaya, the Founder and Director of Women in Sports, lauded her achievement saying that “We are very happy as this is yet another feather in the cap of the goals we set out as WINS to uplift Womens Sports and push towards elite performances. We are sure Panthoi will be the first but not the last girl to go to Australia and this will be a groundbreaking move".
Chanu's groundbreaking move to Australia not only signifies her personal success but also reflects the growing strength and appeal of women's football on the global stage. As she embarks on this new chapter in her footballing journey, Chanu carries with her the hopes and aspirations of aspiring footballers in India, inspiring them to dream big and reach for the stars.
