Ninthoinganba Meetei Khumanthem (, born 13 July 2001), commonly known as Ninthoi, is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Indian Super League club Punjab.
Career Born in Manipur, Meetei was part of the AIFF Elite Academy batch that was preparing for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted in India. After the tournament, Meetei was selected to play for the Indian Arrows, an All India Football Federation-owned team that would consist of India under-20 players to give them playing time. He made his professional debut for the side 5 December 2017 against Minerva Punjab. He came on as an 85th-minute substitute as Indian Arrows lost 2–0.
NorthEast United Ninthoinganba Meetei, fondly known as Ninthoi was signed by NorthEast United following a terrific 2018-19 campaign for the Indian Arrows on a 3 years deal. Ninthoi had a formidable Indian Super League debut with NorthEast United, making 11 appearances and averaging 18 passes per game. He was retained ahead of the 2020–21 season.
Chennaiyin On 7 September 2021, Chennaiyin announced that they had completed the signing of Ninthoi on a three-year deal.
International Meetei represented the India under-17 side which participated in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup which was hosted in India.
He won the Most Valuable Player Award in 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship.
Career statistics Club
ClubSeasonLeagueCupAFCTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsIndian ArrowsI-League10000—1002018–1915220—172Total2522000272NorthEast United2019–20Indian Super League11000—1102020–2113000—130Total2400000240Chennaiyin2021–22Indian Super League14100—1412022–2312060—1802023–2419240—232Total45310000553Punjab2024–25Indian Super League0000—00Career total945120001065
Honours India U-19 SAFF U-18 Championship: 2019
References