Panthoi craving for Myanmar challenge after Aussie sojourn

NEW DELHI: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam has returned to India as fresh as the Southern Sea breeze after a three-month stint with Metro United WFC in the South Australian National Women’s Premier League in Australia.
Panthoi is the first Indian footballer to play in a competitive league Down Under, a significant achievement in the annals of Indian women’s football.
Back in the Indian senior national women’s team camp in Kolkata, the seasoned custodian is now busy preparing for the two-match friendly tour of Myanmar next week. The two matches in the FIFA Window will be played on July 9 and 12.
“I am feeling really good about coming back to India. It feels like I haven’t been here for a long time. I have received another opportunity to represent my country. It’s a great feeling. Also, this is my first time coming from abroad to play for India. I feel excited,” Panthoi told www.the-aiff.com from Kolkata.

Panthoi had a busy schedule during her stint with Metro United WFC. She played 13 matches and when asked to share her experience, Panthoi said, “The playing style is different in Metro United, especially the game speed. Every match seemed like a high-intensity game with various situations.
“As a goalkeeper, sometimes I had to don the role of a defender, too, like slightly moving forward, and playing in the defensive line to stop the ball. The goalkeeper does not just stand in one position but is expected to be involved in the combination. After the goalkeeper coach’s training sessions, we used to have individual goalkeeping practice, which was helpful as I could focus on my timing, especially in game situations,” Panthoi said.
Many Indian players who play their trade abroad often share stories of feeling homesick or having difficulty adjusting to new environments. However, Panthoi’s experience was nothing like this. She confronted every challenge directly, from overcoming the language barrier to grasping the game’s nuances. She demonstrated strength and adaptability throughout her journey.
“We had one match every week, each with different and challenging opponents. Some teams played long balls; others restored to ground passes. I adapted the game style every day in every match. There was little time between matches, but I am happy to have improved my game. Winning and losing are part of the sport. The team effort, ball presence, and studying the ball were much more important to me. The main focus was studying the opponents, a skill I developed a lot in Australia.
“Metro United WFC is a hugely professional club. There were people from India who came to watch the matches, and they often invited me to dinner, but due to time constraints, I couldn’t always go. My teammates would often advice me about places where I could go and eat. They were always helpful.

“The main challenge was the language barrier, but I picked up the language in between training. The climate was different, so we trained at night to adjust. Matches were played late at night, often under windy and cloudy conditions, but I didn’t face any issues,” Panthoi added.
Just two days after returning to India, Panthoi joined the Blue Tigresses training at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. She believes in the team’s improvement and is eager to share the knowledge and experience she gained in Australia to assist her teammates.
She said, “Australian football is different, and I learned a lot from my time there. The main change I noticed was the emphasis on moving forward in the defensive line to help my teammates. I think individual performance is also key. We have some junior players in the camp this time, and we help them every day.

“There is good competition in the camp,” she says. “We communicate and sort things out in between ourselves. There is learning from both sides. We have five goalkeepers here, and we also learn from the juniors. The fighting spirit among the players in the camp creates healthy competition. We don’t act like seniors; we see everyone as younger sisters and motivate each other. If anyone has doubts, they ask, and we also do the same if we want to change anything in the practice sessions.”
The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who has been part of the India national team since 2014, has witnessed all the ups and downs in the women’s team in the last one decade.

“Conditions in the Indian football camp have improved drastically, whether it is accommodation, facilities, food, or the ground conditions. The bonding among us has also grown significantly because of the game time we are getting in these FIFA friendly matches.”
Panthoi has watched videos of Myanmar’s games and is aware of their style of play. “Myanmar plays short passes. I believe our central defensive line is perhaps stronger. Our effort would be to win both matches.
“The game situations in Asian women’s football are more or less the same. We are prepared. We played one practice match and performed well. We will play another one in the coming week,” Panthoi said.
Also Read: Global interest peaks for India’s Football Head Coach role as AIFF receives 291 applications
Also Read: Blue Tigers to play Tri-Nation friendly tournament in Vietnam in October
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
AIFF eyes major policy shifts for Indian Football, announces coaching vacancy
In a significant Executive Committee meeting held on July 2, 2025, under the leadership of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF initiated discussions on several potentially transformative policy proposals. These…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India Dominates Iraq with a resounding 5-0 win in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
India delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 5-0 win against Iraq in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Group B encounter. This impressive win marks India’s third consecutive triumph…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25: East Bengal FC drawn against clubs from Hong Kong, Cambodia
East Bengal FC were drawn alongside Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, following the draw…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…