Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper hailing from Manipur, Keirak village near Imphal is all set to become the first Indian Footballer to secure a professional contract in Australian league. The talented footballer has joined the Metro United WFC in the South Australian Women’s National Premier League and hopes to make a move from South Australian Women’s premier league to the top-tier prestigious A-League women by the end of the year.

Chanu had started her footballing career with Women football academy in Kakching, Manipur, where she spent four years before making her move forward to Eastern Sporting and then to Manipur police. Chanu has given some exceptional performances in recent times in India’s recent clashes against Kosovo and Hong Kong in the Turkish women’s cup held in Turkey where India finished as the runner ups.

The 28 year old talent will also be training with A-League side Adlaide United, whose coach Adrain Stenta had spotted, her exceptional playing skills and talent at ‘women in sports’ trial in Kolkata last year. Metro United have completed the first two games of the campaign with Chanu to hopefully join them from their third game, potentially giving her more than 20 games to play in the league, play offs and cup competition.

In an interview regarding her achievement she expressed, “This is the first step towards playing in the A-League,” “I am excited about this challenge. I know it won’t be easy for me in Australia, known for its high standards in women’s football but I’ve been preparing for this opportunity for a long time and won’t disappoint.”

The player representative Anuj Kichlu talking about this selection in an interview said, “It was Adrian who spotted Pantoi as a potential target for the future, but since the A-League runs from September to April, he recommended her to Metro United” “There is a small month-long overlap between the state Leagues and A-League, so the top players can be seen in action. The aim is to play in the local leagues and then move forward.”

Metro United coach Paul Morris regarding this transfer told, “She would be a great addition to the squad. She is a top-class goal keeper with international experience and possesses each of the qualities you look for in a goal keeper.” Further adding, “Everyone at Metro United is looking forward to welcoming Panthoi.”

Panthoi has become the fourth player to sign a professional contract with an international club out of the 27 players who attended the ‘women in sports’ elite football trails. Apart from Chanu, earlier Jyoti Chauhan, Kiran Pisda, and MK Kashmina had all joined Croation top-tier club, ZNK Dinamo Zagreb.

PIC CREDTS :- @womeninsportsindia

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of RFDL

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of MFA Premier League (MPL)

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC appeared first on Football Counter.

Interested players are requested to come at MSSA ground at 04:00 pm on 11th January. The trials will last for 2 days only.

The post MDFA to hold trials for Maharashtra Women’s team appeared first on Football Counter.

In a completely one-sided encounter; Kritina Devi Thounaojam, Priyanka Devi Naorem and Pratiksha Lakra scored within twenty minutes into the game to put an end to Bhutan’s hopes of securing a point.

India opened the scoring as early as the 4^th minute when Kritina Devi with a driving run in to the box fired a rasping shot past Bhutanese keeper to break the deadlock. What followed was a flurry of attacks with Priyanka doubling the lead in the 11^th minute through a penalty. Five minutes later, overlapping defender Pratiksha etched her name on the score sheet after she took control of a through pass pushed by Kritina Devi to fire in at far post net with a looping right footer as the score line read 3-0.

In the 64^th minute, substitute Niketa Bishi almost made it 4-0 after her shot was acrobatically saved by the diving fist of Bhutanese goalie Karma Yuden. The game ended at 3-0 as India picked all three points. In other game, host Bangladesh hammered six past a hapless Nepalese team to pick all three points and top the group table.

India next face Nepal while host Bangladesh face Bhutan on December 19.

India Women’s U-15: Monika Devi (GK), Pratiksha Lakra (Pusparani 26′), Susmita Tanty, Pakpi Devi, Pavithra Murugesan, Shilky Devi, Bannaya Kabiraj (C) (Aveka Singh 76′), Santhiya, Kritina, Sunita Munda (Niketa Bishi 54′), Priyanka Devi

Also Read: Kenkre FC vs MS Police – Two sides who are hoping to bounce back

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post SAFF U15 Women’s Championship: India beat Bhutan 3-0 appeared first on Football Counter.

Oinam has scored 32 goals for the national team

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India included the name of recently retired 37 year old Indian woman footballer Oinam Bembem Devi in the list of 17 athletes recommended for the prestigious prize.

In an international career spanning across two decades, Bembem has won two SAFF Championships, two South Asian Games and has been an integral part of the Indian team in various international events like Asian Games, and the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Earlier this year, she captained and managed the Eastern Sporting Union, which won the inaugural edition of the Indian Women’s League

Also Read: India opens with a 5-1 loss against Mexico

Bembem made her international debut in 1995 as a 15-year-old and retired in February last year after guiding India to a gold medal in the South Asian Games in Shillong. She had lamented early in the year that woman footballers are not considered when it comes to recognition from the government. Out of the 24 Indians who have received this prestigious award, 23 of them have been men with only women in the list being the legendary India captain Shanti Mullick back in 1989.

Bembem has played 85 times for the country scoring 32 goals. In 2014, Bembem joined a Maldivian club New Radiant and dazzled the tournament single handily taking the team to victory in the final. She scored 6 goals and 4 assists in just three games as she was awarded Player of the tournament for her excellent performances.

The list of Arjuna Awards recommendations: V J Surekha (Archery), Khushbir Kaur (Athletics), Arokin Rajiv (Athletics), Prasanthi Singh (Basketball), L Devendro Singh (Boxing), Cheteshwar Pujara (Cricket), Harmanpreet Kaur (Cricket), Oinam Bembem Devi (Football), SSP Chawrasia (Golf), S V Sunil (Hockey), Jasvir Singh (Kabaddi), P N Prakash (Shooting), A Amalraj (Table Tennis), Saketh Myneni (Tennis), Satyawart Kadian (Wrestling), Mariyappan Thangavelu (Para-Athlete) and Varun Bhati (Para-Athlete).

The post Indian Women football legend Oinam bembem Devi set to receive Arjuna Award appeared first on Football Counter.

Xaxa’s brace gives India a 2-0 win over Malaysians

After a goalless first half, Substitute Pyari Xaxa came up with two late goals as dominant India brush aside Malaysian Challenge in an International women’s football friendly at the MP Selayang Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Coach Maymol Rocky, in her very first game in charge, chose to go in with an attacking attitude. India started to dominant right from the word go, with the first big chance coming in the very fourth minute. However Grace’s attempt went straight to Malaysian keeper Nurul Azurin. In the 24^th minute, Kamal Devi’s goal bound header was thwarted by Nurul, diving full length to keep the score 0-0. The host keeper was instrumental in keeping the game goalless for the first half pulling off some brave saves.

Also Read: Indian Women’s Team wants payback

Second half began in a slight reverse fashion, as Malaysian looked to take the game to visitors, keeping possession, playing in gaps. They were almost rewarded for their patience in the 70^th minute when Malini hit the post, but soon India responded and took control over the game. In the 79^th minute, a poor long pass from Nurul gave India back possession for a quick attack as a headed through ball found Pyari get past her marker and score past the Keeper to make it 1-0.

India soon began to get stronger, in the 83^rd minute; Captain Bala Devi almost made it 2-0, when she rose highest among all to connect to Dalima’s cross but the ball rebounded off the post to deny India a goal. Two minutes later, an onrushing Pyari made no mistake in a similar situation as she headed home the second for the day. The game ended with India comfortably winning the game 2-0.

International women’s Friendly                           

India Women 2 (Pyari Xaxa 79’, 85’) – 0 Malaysia women

The post Pyari Xaxa scores brace as India beat Malaysia 2-0 appeared first on Football Counter.

“We have introduced fines in this camp. Whenever someone commits any wrong, she is fine,” Maymol, the first ever Indian woman coach in charge of the Senior Women’s Team informs. “Imparting discipline within the squad stayed a priority. Unless you get the pinch, you never learn,” she adds.

The girls don’t mind it as they understand “it’s for a cause.”

Defender Dalima Chhibber, former Captain Indian U-19 Women’s Team smiles. “It unites us. The team bonding becomes better. It makes you more disciplined. It’s fun, but at the same time, it pinches your pocket. It’s up to us to avoid the fines,” she says in one breath.

Keeping in tune with not taking things lightly off the field, Maymol wants the same kind of a smooth transition when the girls play on Monday (July 31). “We won’t be taking them lightly. They are a strong side. Once you are complacent, you will pay the price,” you had to agree with Maymol. “They are playing at home. It’s a big stadium. It’s advantage Malaysia.”

Maymol’s squad has been a conglomeration of exuberant youth and experience.

“Around 10 players have come up the ranks through the age groups. The average age of the side has gone down considerably. Barring around three, all the rest are below 25,” she informs.

As the cars zip past you on the KL Highway, the relaxed bunch of “disciplined” girls, most of whom are from small towns, gaze at the lighted skyscrapers from the window panes of the Team Bus.

“We wanted to take their minds off the game a bit. Hence, we took them to the Petronas twin towers. You also need to relax a bit,” Maymol, flipping through her snazzy mobile utters.

Jabamani Tudu, still a teenager, but already a part of the Senior Indian National Team, like all others, couldn’t stop admiring the might of the twin towers. “We need to repay Maymol-Maam. Despite the hectic practice schedule, she was kind enough to allow us to visit the towers.”

“Payback time,” that’s the buzz word at the Camp now. The new chant under the new Coach needs a perfect take-off.

At the Official press conference, Maymol wasn’t much willing to read into the FIFA Rankings. ”Not that we are a weak Team. But I never go into FIFA Rankings. We are aware of the development made by Malaysia. But we are confident as a Team,” she said.

Pointing at Captain Bala Devi, sitting next, Maymol further stated: ”She has a habit of scoring goals in almost every match.”

‘Will you score tomorrow?’

”It’s not about who scores as long as we score. We have specific roles assigned to us and we need to execute it to perfection,” the India skipper opined.

India is scheduled to lock their horns with Malaysia tomorrow (July 31, 2017) 06:15 PM IST.

The post Indian Women’s Team wants payback appeared first on Football Counter.

On the surface, the Indian Women’s Team’s back to back International Friendlies may seem to be just another regular International fixture. But there’s a fair bit of history which stays attached as this will be the first time ever that the Indian Women’s Team will be coached by a Woman in any International match.

Head Coach Maymol Rocky, the coach in the hot seat describes it as her “biggest achievement.”

“I can’t just express it in words. It’s my greatest achievement. It is an honour and a privilege to be the Head Coach of the Senior Women’s National side,” says Rocky ecstatically. “I know there is pressure on me to perform but ever since I took up coaching, it has always been a dream. The real job starts now,” cautions the former player.

The role is tough and steep but Maymol is up for it. “The AFC Women’s Tutors Course was really helpful. It has really helped me grow as a coach,” she states about the programme held earlier this year. “I got to meet and exchange ideas with coaches from other AFC nations. I want to thank the AIFF for believing in me and finding me suitable for the role,” she adds in a thankful tone.

The players too are excited about the lady in charge. Forward Pyari Xaxa says: “It is really exciting to be able to play under her. She has been an inspiration during my age-group days and now even more, especially to all girls wanting to take up football.”

Jabamani Tudu is happy with the familiarity of things. “I’ve played under Maymol Rocky ma’am earlier at the U-16 level. This will be helpful as I know what she expects of me.”

Manipur has been like a factory line supplying players to the Women’s teams and Kashmina is one such product. “Maymol Rocky ma’am was with us at the junior level and has helped my game a lot. She is strict but is the perfect guide,” Kashmina opines.

The post “Privilege to coach senior women’s team.”: Maymol Rocky appeared first on Football Counter.

Q1) Tell us something about yourself?

A1) Hi, my name is Aditi Shetty and I am 16 years old. I have been playing football from the age of 8. So first it was like I was almost a tom boy and I never liked playing with dolls and I always played with cars. Since I have a twin brother I was habituated to being brought up like that. But my brother played football with his friends and he got irritated if I wanted to play or if I played. I am a hyperactive child from the time I was very small. In school we had football and also in my building the sport that got me excited was football. So like that and then my brother’s stupid behaviour (laughs) encouraged me to play football all the more.

Q2) You started playing football since the age of 8, how was your parents look out towards this?

A2) Actually they have supported me for everything no matter what. There are some parents who don’t understand their kids to that extent and restrict them to certain things. But my parents have never acted like that with me and have let me do whatever I want. Even though I was a tom boy, they never hit me but were always supportive saying, “It’s your life. Do whatever you want.” But when I went out of the way that’s when they came in and guided me. Stopped me from going off-track.

Q3) Which is your preferred position in the team? You mentioned being an aggressive player. What all positions have you played in for the team?

A3) I am a very versatile player. Because when I started playing football I played in the Forward’s position then I moved back to midfield and I stuck there because I have a lot of energy when I play. Tireless running is something which I bring to my team. When you are a midfielder on the flanks, you have to do a lot of running like linking up with the forward line going forward and then having to track back to help out the defence when the opposition is attacking. When you are counter attacking you need a lot of energy to run the entire field so I have always preferred midfield and that depends if its centre, right or left anywhere I can play. So right midfield is very I have played most of the games and the centre mid position is somewhere I can play as well because I have the ability to control the game feeding the ball to the forwards. In the Indian camp, they played me as a defender. Also played a few matches as goalkeeper when needed.

Q4) Your first achievement since you started playing football came at the age of 11 i.e 3 years after you got the zeal to play. It was at the District level. Describe that moment?

A4)It was very exciting and I was nervous at the same time. Whenever I get onto the field I have that nervousness. But with time I overcome it. But this was the time I was very excited because we played U12 and U14 and when you play with players elder to you then you get to learn a lot and the feeling is good. So there is an overall progress.

Q5) Talk us through that moment when you were selected for the Under 14 camp in the Indian team at Kerala?

A5)I was very sad because I didn’t get in. Because when you know you deserve something but you don’t get it, it’s heart-breaking. But I motivated myself and the people around me gave me lots of positive energy and told me not to give up, I had made it among the top 23 players who were selected. That is when I realised that what I had achieved was quite a big thing and others haven’t even reached till there. Some people don’t even get to for camps even though they are good.

Q6) Describe your span you spent in school how were the facilities at the level? How were the coaches impact to your progress at the mere age of 11?

A6)First of all we don’t have a proper ground. We have a concrete ground and that’s the worst thing because we need to get the feel of the studs on grass. And what we have in school is concrete ground with turf so that’s exactly opposite. Because in grass your leg goes down while in concrete it remains still. Even the way the ball bounces on concrete or grass or mud is so very different. But we were quick to adapt to these conditions and we kept winning. So our coaches recognized that and then the type of ground did not matter.We started coming regularly for practices from Monday to Friday and then we had to rush to school. So all the attention was very good better than what many people get. So I was very satisfied by that.

Q7)All throughout your journey who has been your role model both in your personal as well as professional life?

A7)It has never been stuck to one person. It keeps changing and that person is always there in my mind. I think of my mom, she has done a lot for me from the time I have started playing football until now she has spent a lot of whatever I required. Some parents tell their kids to give up on playing. In 10^th std, I had my India camp and I was away from home for 3 months. Still my mom supported me and I coped up managing to get 88.4%. After every India camp I have cried as to how I will cope up. But my mom and my dad have always been positive, supportive and helped me over the line. Second is my coach Sir Luke Rosario, he has always supported us in our professional career. We get a lot of offers from clubs he tell us what to do and what not to do. When you change clubs your impression  amongst the people changes. So he has guided us well teaching us how to communicate with people who get those offers for us and how not to become complacent. Luke sir has always told us to be a down to earth person. Then there is Dominic Sir who has been there with since I was in 7^th He was with me from the time I went to India camp. When I started going to Maharashtra camp that is when I got the best coach of my life. Durva mam has been the best coach I ever had, she has never shouted on us. And all of my previous coaches are very attached to me. Sometimes you get attached to your coaches, she’s almost getting there. She is my idol because she taken up football as a living. She’s a coach and that’s how she has earned her living because in India it becomes tough to earn a living through football. So in my professional career, I look up to her because when I think of myself whether pursuing football will help me earn a living I think of her. And to be honest she has been a major presence in my life, in my professional life to be honest.

Q8) How has criticism from the people impacted you footballing journey all throughout these 8 years?

A8)People know what levels I have reached and those people don’t have the guts to say something to my face. They have never told anything to my mom as well. Because when my mom looks back she can proudly say that my daughter managed to excel both in her studies and her professional football career and has balanced it quite well. Also my mom told me not to think about what others say because you are not doing it for someone else nor are those people doing something for you. You have to live your own life

Q9) Aditi, you have won three consecutive MSSA titles in your school career? Tell us more about those three glorious years?

A9)Nothing in life is easy but when you work hard and when you believe in yourself it becomes all the more possible. So in the 1^st year we had better training sessions, better coaches and we felt like working hard and then we won our first title  But the next 2 years we won one was U14 and the other U16 , our team was the most dominant. I am not even boasting but every team used to be scared of us. There was Dhirubai Ambani side, we always had to meet them in the finals so both our teams were so fierce while playing and it was a neck to neck competition. We knew that we had won the title before and that our opponents also had a clue of it so winning it for the first time was an advantage for us. The three consecutive titles have been an amazing achievement for the entire team,

Q10) Coming very close to getting into the Indian team i.e Under-14 camp in 2011 and U-16 camp in 2013 only to be in the reserves. Tell us how you stop yourself from demotivated at this point of time?

A10)So during the U14 camp if they had taken 23 players, I would be in but then they took only 18 so I was on standby. And the recent camp they took 23 but I was in the top 27 so again standby. So I missed by some margins. Both the camps I have gone to, I have learnt a lot. In fact the closer I was in U14 the more closer I came in U16. I can guarantee that if they selected 23 players, I would have been number 24. So all I told myself is not look at anyone on the field. Don’t see who the coach is putting in instead of you. All those negative points are harmful for the overall progress. So you have to be positive all the time. I used to tell myself not to be nervous and give my 100%. But then the change I have seen in those years has been spectacular. And I have never let myself to get demotivated.

Q11) We had an interview with coach Durva Vahia mam. She has set the standard for the Women’s game and is an inspiration to many young girls and women pursuing football. Describe her impact on your football career?

A11)  We had our last match against Jharkhand and we played total 5 matches and I didnt play any of those five matches in the starting 11 and I totally respect her for that. Sometimes you feel you deserve it more but then the coach knows whom to put in and whom not to put it. So i was thinking this is the last match and she still has not started me what has gone wrong?.And after the team went in to play she told me that i am a smart player and I want you to go in and change the game when needed. So thats when you know what the person thinks about you. She lifted me up and i had that confidence again. See I told you i get nrevous during the start of the game and if you dont go in you get more nervous and then that gets you standard of playing more down unknowingly. She always told us that we were quick to adapt to all the things she taught. And that one moment where she called me a smart player is one of the best moments with her. She has always motivated us no matter what the circumstances are. Durva mam is a motivation not only to me but also for all the team members because everyone has expressed their gratitude for her encouragement in reaching that level in their career/ Everyone is really happy we got a coach like her and she is the perfect person for any player o have by their sides

Q12) Do you see Women’s football coming up in India? But first in Mumbai as well?

A12)Yes, it is coming up. When you play for clubs, you also have private tournaments as well. In school we have three tournaments. MSSA and DSO are the major two. If we win and get to that level we play for city level then district level. If we reach the top at district level we get into the state team. If you get to the state team our coach told us they could push 5-6 players for selections. The goood thing is you know you have worked hard, practised daily, dreamt of it and they finally achieved it. So the more the number of tournaments, the more competition there will be and that’s how Women’s football will come up more.

Q13) Describe your training sessions? How do you maintain your fitness? And also tell us how do you balance your studies as well as football practise?

A13) In early 10th standard days I practised daily. After that I used to study at night. The breaks I took were breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am a couch potato and I have to watch TV (laughs). When I had my 10^th boards I did not go to practise and this was my daily schedule. Almost 4-5 months I could not go because I knew I had missed those months because of India camp and had to cope up. So I sat at home and managed all of this. In 11^th std I have practised every day. It’s a bit chilled out and you can pass studying one day before the exam as well. So now I practise every morning for an hour, comeback and eat. Then go to college, after coming back home I go down for a walk to get some fresh air. So that’s how my entire day goes. On weekends I go to these private club training. Dominic sir conducts them. So 1 week to Dominic Sir’s practise sessions and 1 week in IFS. If you realise I have practised everyday. Since we have our sports starting, Sir has told us to get some rest because you cannot continuously practise, your body needs rest to get rejuvenated again.

Q14 ) Do you follow international Women’s football regularly?

A14) No, to be honest I don’t follow them regularly. Because most of the times you are not aware of the women’s fixtures. But I watch the Barclays Premier League games. And the finals I came to know after the match was over when USA won against Japan. So all that I try to know from the apps that we have these days on our phones. That’s it.

Q15) Where do you see yourself in the next 2-3 years?

A15) I think I have to train everyday to see myself at a better position. This year in May we have our India camp and if I keep working hard I will get to that level. In 2 or 3 years I will be a much better player and play for the Indian side.

Q16) How has the responsibility of a captain impacted your game that too at a very young age?

A16) I have been a captain in my school team. So let me tell you when you are a normal player and you are not a captain you are very friendly to your team mates. But when you are a captain you cannot fool around. How I talk to my very good friend Caren when I am off the field, we keep doing foolish things. But when I am a captain I will talk to her the same way I’l talk to everyone. First thing is that you treat everyone equally and you when you look at their flaws, one cannot tell them not to do this or that. Because you are the leader, you cannot poke your team mates constantly with their mistakes. And sometimes even I made mistakes, but then I realised them and apologised instantly because the other players are looking up to me. For example if I am the captain, I make some mistake ten times the other will mock me saying, “You’re the captain, your making these mistakes so why are you telling us.” You have to raise your awareness of playing well even when you are not a captain you have to play with 100% so that others around you are looking up to you be it the younger players or the elders. So being a captain has made me realise I cannot fool around and must take the responsibility to lead from the front.

Q17) If Aditi Shetty is not a footballer, then which sport would she pursue?

A17)I think probably Badminton. Because badminton is something I love to play. We never got the chance to play Badminton at school level. So if I had that opportunity at school level, I would definitely pursue Badminton if not Football.

Q18) What is your message for the little girls (little Aditi Shetty’s) wanting to pursue football?

A18) First of all I would like to tell their parents, like Durva mam as mentioned in her interview that parents always send their kids for Sports just as a hobby and when they reach 9^th or 10^th they stop it because they have to manage their studies. They stop sending them to camps. Many people don’t send their kids to selections. So for the parents all I want to say is allow you children to grow because of Sports as much as he/she can. When I get support from my parents I get motivated to play. So parents need to motivate their children to play so that it helps them reach the desired levels. For the little girls I want to say that they have to work hard. Football is very important and it has made me punctual compared to my other friends. Also it has made me disciplined like I don’t throw my clothes anywhere. So work hard, pursue atleast one sport because it makes you punctual, you learn the value of time and the discipline factor is incorporated. That’s how it helps.

Q19) What would you like to tell the readers, reading this interview on the ‘Dare to Dream’ series?

A19) I am very happy that Durva mam has given my name. I was feeling very inspired when I was reading her interview. So now when someone reads my interview even they might feel inspired. So this series is lifting me up. I am very happy that you people have taken this initiative. Not many sites do this. Any site you see has boys thing coming up. You literally have to type Maharashtra girls then something comes up. The media helps a lot to spread awareness and now even the parents will know that this thing is happening for girls. This is helping us a lot and I would like to thank you all a lot.

Everyone at Football Counter salutes the efforts put in by Aditi Shetty to pursue what she loves. Very few follow their heart. We wish you all the best for all your ventures in future and hope this time you surely get into the Indian team

The post Dare to Dream series- Episode 1 : Interviewing Aditi Shetty appeared first on Football Counter.

A hat-trick by AIFF Player of the Year 2015 Ngangom Bala Devi, after Bembem Devi put Manipur ahead when she converted from the spot kick, led Manipur to an easy win over opponents Haryana, who tried to mount a late comeback in the game.

The post Bala Devi hat-trick helps Manipur to enter Finals of National Football Championship appeared first on Football Counter.