Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu felicitated for AFC Cup qualifier achievement

A felicitation programme was held today at Keirak Keithel Lampak Community Hall in honour of Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the goalkeeper of the Indian Women’s Football Team who recently participated in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier 2026 held at Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Organised jointly by Public Youth Club (PYC), Keirak; Leimarembi VLF; Sinthangambi VLF; Keirak Foundation and Kha Maikei Football Association, the event drew a large gathering of well-wishers and football enthusiasts.
The programme was graced by Wabagai MLA Usham Deben as Chief Guest, with PYC President Thoudam Megha presiding over the event. Other dignitaries present as Guests of Honour included S. Dhanabir, Caretaker Zilla Parishad Member of Keirak-Wabagai; E. Shanti Leima, Pradhan of Keirak GP; retired headmasters S. Irabot and Th. Brojen; and social worker K. Ningthemjao. Special invitees included M. Nilo, General Secretary of DSA Kakching; Y. Surjit, Manager of Women Football Academy Kakching; and Th. Kunjanganbi, Coach of Kha Football Academy.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Usham Deben expressed pride in Panthoi’s accomplishment, noting that it was a matter of great honour for a young woman from a small village like Keirak, to reach such international heights. He attributed the development of local sports infrastructure, including the construction of a stadium, to the dedication and performance of local clubs and players.
Deben further urged local clubs, civil society organisations and Meira Paibis to join hands in nurturing more talented sportspersons and students from the region.
Panthoi Chanu is the daughter of Elangbam Chinglenkhomba and Elangbam Ongbi Shanti Leima of Keirak Makha Leikai. She currently plays for Metro United, a football club in Australia, and was recently conferred with the title of India’s Best Goalkeeper 2025. The Women’s team of India National Football Team has been able to qualify for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 to be held at Australia, after a gap of 18 years, without conceding a single defeat in the qualifier match. Ten players from Manipur played key roles in securing the qualification.