Chumoukedima, Nagaland, March 27 (HBTV): A female footballer from Manipur, Panthoi Chanu, who is the current goalkeeper for the Indian national football team, is poised to become the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Australia.                

Chanu’s groundbreaking achievement follows in the footsteps of Jyoti Chauhan, Kiran Pisda, and MK Kashmina, making her the fourth player to secure a contract abroad. She secured the contract out of 27 aspirants in the Women in Sports Elite Football Trials, second edition, organized collaboratively by Women in Sports, the AMPL Foundation, and the Football Players' Association of India.               

Panthoi Chanu, who showcased her goalkeeping prowess in India's recent matches against Kosovo and Hong Kong in Turkey, has inked a deal with Metro United WFC, a team competing in the South Australian Women's National Premier League. Panthoi Chanu will represent the team until the conclusion of the season in September 2024.                        

The ascent of women's football in Australia is remarkable. They hosted the Women's World Cup in 2023 and advanced to the semi-finals. The recent Matildas' national team matches have also seen record-breaking attendance, with every game reportedly being sold out.                            

The Indian goalkeeper caught the eye of Adelaide United FC during a trial, attended by head coaches from prominent teams such as Western United FC Melbourne, Perth SC, WFC Dinamo Zagreb, and Marbella FC. Following their recommendation, Panthoi Chanu found her way to Metro United WFC.    

This significant move not only serves as a boost to her career but also pave a way for aspiring footballers in the region and country who wish to pursue a career in much competitive sporting platforms abroad.