Keen to see younger generations further Manipur’s title legacy, says NFC winner Elangbam Panthoi

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 16 : Manipur senior women’s football team skipper Elangbam Panthoi has expressed her strong desire to see younger generations carry forward Manipur’s strong football legacy and win many more titles.
In a conversation with The Sangai Express, the 6-time senior women’s National football championship winner Panthoi said it was an overwhelming experience to lead Manipur to the 24th title yesterday following a 1-0 final triumph against West Bengal at RKM Ashrama Ground, Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh.
"I'm thrilled to have led Manipur to our 24th Senior Women's National Football Championship title," said an elated Elangbam Panthoi.
The 29-year old India International said that a lot of motivational tasks were involved during their campaign with a lot of new faces coming up to fill the outgoing senior players.
Being the captain, Panthoi said she had to establish proper coordination among the players to work as a team.
Panthoi said she got exceptional response from her fellow players, new and old.
She gave credit for the success to her teammates and support staff.
"Our team won because of team-work. It was made possible by the dedication of the players, exceptional coordination and the guidance of the support staff," Panthoi said.
She also praised her teammates for their exceptional performances, specially goal scoring machine Lynda Kom.
"Lynda Kom showed great improvement since the last two years and displayed eagerness to play and keep scoring in this edition of the championship," she said.
Notably, Panthoi, who was adjudged India's best goalkeeper this year, proved her mettle by not conceding a single goal throughout the final round campaign.
On the record extending title victory, Panthoi, who became the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Australia last year, said she would love to see the win inspire more girls to take up football and further boost the sporting movement in the State.
Manipur has been a formidable force in the National footballing history and been at top of women’s football, she said, expressing her keen desire to see the coming generations keep the legacy intact.
Asked if her venture to Australia last year was helpful in her campaign, Panthoi said she had a wonderful experience there with world class facilities at her disposal.
The exposure in Australia greatly helped her study rival teams and handle pressure in critical times, she added.
Talking about her struggle in the early days, Panthoi said she had to travel very long distances for practice.
She expressed concern over the dwindling number of playgrounds and lack of modern training facilities in Manipur.
While players' dedication and perseverance is key, Panthoi said they must also have access to quality infrastructure. A right motivation and quality infrastructure will help players develop and hone their skills and excel, Panthoi said.
Having led the National team to the AFC Women’s Asia Cup qualification earlier this year, Panthoi is looking forward to playing quality football and helping India qualify for the World Cup.
Panthoi is the daughter of Elangbam Chinglenkhomba and Elangbam Ongbi Shanti Leima of Keirak Makha Leikai.