2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification will remain etched in memory forever: India international E Panthoi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 31 2025: As 2025 comes to a close, India international Elangbam Panthoi reflects on a year of growth and milestones for Indian women's football.

From qualifying for the AFC Women's Asian Cup after 23 years to standout performances in sub-continental, National and club tournaments, Panthoi's journey's been inspiring.

In a telephonic correspondence with The Sangai Express, goalkeeper of the senior National women's team Elangbam Panthoi said the most memorable moment of the year (2025) was India's qualification to the AFC Women's Asian Cup after 23 years in July this year.

India international E Panthoi

"The qualification to the continental event to be hosted by Australia in March 2026 following a 2-1 win over Thailand in the final qualifying round match will remain etched in my memory forever," she said.

Notably, with the 2-1 win, India completed Group B qualifying round sweep including three clean sheets courtesy of strong defensive line up featuring Panthoi as the custodian and earned the finals berth to end India's wait for entry to the AFC Women's Asian Cup after more than two decades.

"Overall the National team has seen significant improvement in facilities and performances this year," she said while adding that she is all pumped up for the competition to be hosted by Australia in March 2026.On the challenges she witnessed this year on and off the field, SAFF Women's Club Championship 2025 winner with East Bengal Panthoi said, except for some challenges in preparatory work and travel inconveniences she faced in Manipur, the year went largely smooth.

But the challenges did not let them hold back and went on to emerge the champions of the Senior Women's National Football Championship, she said.

Facing hosts Thailand in the AFC qualification round and hosts APF FC in the SAFF Women's Club Championship 2025 in Nepal recently were also quite challenging but the team showed grit and determination to come out on top in both the events proving their strength and resilience, she said.

On the current state of women's football in India, she observed that women's football is on an upward trajectory.

"AFC qualification has given us a new boost of confidence.

The Indian Women's League (IWL) is improving with better facilities and ground conditions, providing a solid foundation for growth," she said.

With exposures and tours lined up ahead of the AFC 2026 Women's Cup, things are looking bright for Indian women's football, she added.

On being asked about her personal and professional goals in 2026, the AIFF's Best Women's Goalkeeper of the year said she aims to contribute more to her State, country and the club, leveraging her expertise to make a positive impact.

"I am committed to sharing her knowledge and skills, empowering others to grow.

Professionally, I'm charged to excel, push boundaries and achieve new milestones in the upcoming year," she added.