Indian women's team goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu felicitated by Keirak village
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kakching, July 08 2025:
Keirak village in Kakching district hosted a felicitation for Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, goalkeeper of the Indian women's football team, who has been selected for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The event, held on Tuesday at Keirak Keithel Lampak Community Hall, was organised by Public Youth Club Keirak, local VLFs, Keirak Foundation, and Kha Maikei Veteran Football Association.
It was attended by Wabagai MLA Usham Deben, PYC president Thoudam Megho, caretaker Zilla Parishad member S Dhanabir, Keirak GP Pradhan E Shanti Leima, and other local leaders and well-wishers.
Special guests included DSA Kakching general secretary M Nilo and Women's Football Academy manager Y Surjit.
MLA Deben lauded Panthoi's achievement as a source of pride for Keirak and encouraged support for grassroots talent.
He also emphasised the need for improved sports facilities in the area.
Panthoi, daughter of Elangbam Chinglenkhomba and Elangbam Ongbi Shanti Leima of Keirak Makha Leikai, was named India's best goalkeeper in 2025 and currently plays for Metro United FC in Australia.
She played a key role in India's qualification for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, with 10 players from Manipur included in the squad.