Chhetri’s relentless pursuit to elevate India’s standard
7 months ago

Chhetri’s relentless pursuit to elevate India’s standard

The Hindu  

The onset of old age often marks the beginning of an existential crisis. Sunil Chhetri’s time in international football, which ended on Thursday with the 0-0 draw against Kuwait in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification game, will go down as one of the few that militated against this accepted idea. He was the captain for a dozen years, carrying the nation’s hopes every time he set foot on the pitch, so much so that the National team’s identity became synonymous with his. “He has had great influence on the National team players,” Erik Paartalu, Chhetri’s former teammate at Bengaluru FC, told The Hindu last July after the SAFF Championship triumph. In India’s successful SAFF campaign last year, Chhetri, nearly 39, played every minute of the semifinal and final over a four-day window, both of which lasted 90 minutes and more.

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History of this topic

No wins, no Sunil Chhetri, what’s next? A team in the doldrums for Indian football
1 month ago

No wins, no Sunil Chhetri, what’s next? A team in the doldrums for Indian football

The Hindu  

At times, the lows in sports are so low that they evoke pity rather than optimism. With India having no wins and also losing the Intercontinental Cup crown this calendar year, along with facing a future without its record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri, the football scene in the country has never been grimmer. The final act of this dismal saga unfolded …

'Need to find Sunil Chhetri's replacement': Manolo Marquez on challenges as head coach of Indian football team
4 months, 4 weeks ago

'Need to find Sunil Chhetri's replacement': Manolo Marquez on challenges as head coach of Indian football team

India TV News  

The newly appointed head coach of the Indian men's football team Manolo Marquez is aware of the fact that his days at the helm of Indian football are going to be full of challenges. His international exit has created a massive void in Indian football and the first and foremost challenge for Marquez will be to fill that gap as …

Post retirement from India duty, Sunil Chhetri looks to restore lost glory of Bengaluru FC
6 months ago

Post retirement from India duty, Sunil Chhetri looks to restore lost glory of Bengaluru FC

The Hindu  

Having retired from international football, Sunil Chhetri’s focus now turns to representing his club, Bengaluru FC. Chhetri’s status as fan favourite remains undiminished, as he received the loudest cheers in the club’s open training session at Bangalore Football Stadium here on Sunday. Chhetri was happy that his good friend Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team fulfilled a dream by …

The joy and the sadness of Chhetri
7 months ago

The joy and the sadness of Chhetri

Hindustan Times  

Just a few days ago, on June 6, the 39-year-old Sunil Chhetri played his last match for India. He retired as India’s highest goal scorer, most capped player and for a team that often struggled to score, he was the inspiration, the creator and the finisher all in one. As he stepped out to play for India one last time, …

So long and farewell Sunil Chhetri
7 months ago

So long and farewell Sunil Chhetri

Hindustan Times  

Sunil Chhetri acknowledges the crowd after India's 0-0 draw against Kuwait They say the crest in front is more important than the name on the back and Sunil Chhetri would be the last player to contest that. “Thank you everyone who came today and those who watched me for these 19 years,” said Chhetri after being feted by Mohun Bagan, …

Chhetri bids an emotional goodbye
7 months ago

Chhetri bids an emotional goodbye

The Hindu  

Thanks Captain, Leader, Legend was the message unfurled on the stands right behind one of the goals at the Salt Lake Stadium here as thousands of fans wildly cheered the most successful footballer of the country, Sunil Chhetri. Owning an unparalleled record of playing 151 matches and scoring 94 goals, thousands had gathered to see Chhetri finish his last match. …

What makes Sunil Chhetri an exception in Indian football?
7 months ago

What makes Sunil Chhetri an exception in Indian football?

Firstpost  

As India captain Sunil Chhetri prepares to bid adieu to international football after a memorable 19-year career, we take a look at the secrets to his success. The end of India’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait will also bring curtains down on Sunil Chhetri’s 19-year-old international career. Even if the Blue Tigers fail to achieve ‘Mission 3rd Round’ …

FIFA World Cup: All about Sunil Chhetri who is set to retire after qualifier match against Kuwait today
7 months ago

FIFA World Cup: All about Sunil Chhetri who is set to retire after qualifier match against Kuwait today

Live Mint  

Indian legend Sunil Chhetri is set to bid farewell to international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait today i.e. Ahead of today's match, Real Madrid's midfielder Luka Modric has also sent a special message for Sunil Chhetri. In a post shared by India Senior Football Team coach Igor Stimac, Modric said, “Hi Sunil, I want to …

Elite scoring company: Ronaldo, Messi and soon to retire Indian legend Sunil Chhetri
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Elite scoring company: Ronaldo, Messi and soon to retire Indian legend Sunil Chhetri

Associated Press  

Indian soccer legend Sunil Chhetri is in elite company — of those still playing, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with 128 and 106 respectively, have scored more international goals than Chhetri. “It was not that I was feeling tired,” Chhetri, who had a short spell in the United States with the MLS’s Kansas City Wizards in 2010, said in …

Sunil Chhetri announces retirement; Best career moments of the Indian football legend in pictures
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Sunil Chhetri announces retirement; Best career moments of the Indian football legend in pictures

The Hindu  

Chhetri made his senior India debut against Pakistan on 12 June 2005 in Quetta. Chhetri contributed to India’s victorious 2011 SAFF Championship campaign with his seven goals. Chhetri topped the goal-scorer’s chart with four goals to his name aiding India win the 2012 Nehru Cup. As a captain, Chhetri led India to the 2015 SAFF Championship triumph scoring joint- most …

Sunil Chhetri: Captain, Leader, Legend
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Sunil Chhetri: Captain, Leader, Legend

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri called time on his international career as he took to social media to announce that the joint FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 will be his last for the Blue Tigers. Scoring 94 in 150 matches, Chhetri is the third most prolific scorer in international football among active …

'He Turned The Little Boy in Me to a Man': Sunil Chhetri Heaps Praise on Legend Sukhwinder Singh
9 months, 2 weeks ago

'He Turned The Little Boy in Me to a Man': Sunil Chhetri Heaps Praise on Legend Sukhwinder Singh

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri did not need anyone to tutor him on what he had to do on a football pitch but the same can’t be said of the talismanic Indian striker when it came to things he was not supposed to do as a player in his early days. That’s where the role of Sukhwinder Singh, the former India player and …

Sunil Chhetri Says 'Will be Humongous When India Qualify for World Cup'
1 year, 2 months ago

Sunil Chhetri Says 'Will be Humongous When India Qualify for World Cup'

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri, who is third in the list of active footballers who have scored most goals in international matches, harbours hope to lead India to the FIFA World Cup. His eyes light up and a broad grin spreads across his face as he considers the prospect of India making history and qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first …

Sunil Chhetri's off-field efforts to make a difference
1 year, 3 months ago

Sunil Chhetri's off-field efforts to make a difference

Hindustan Times  

When it comes to Indian football, Sunil Chhetri has undoubtedly been the most prominent figure for over a decade now. On Friday, the All India Football Federation announced that senior defender Sandesh Jhingan and three other players had been added to India’s squad for the Asian Games. With the continental event being held outside the FIFA window from September 19, …

Sunil Chhetri: The epitome of a modern-day footballer
1 year, 5 months ago

Sunil Chhetri: The epitome of a modern-day footballer

The Hindu  

Nothing corrodes peak athletic performance quite like time. Big numbers by Sunil Chhetri 92 international goals — Highest for India, third-highest active goalscorer in the world after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Only the fourth Indian to score a hat-trick against Pakistan, the other three being Puran Bahadur Thapa, IM Vijayan, and Jeje Lalpekhlua 142 international matches — The most …

Sunil Chhetri: Indian football’s centre of gravity
1 year, 5 months ago

Sunil Chhetri: Indian football’s centre of gravity

The Hindu  

Just over five years ago, when India was competing in the four-nation Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai, Sunil Chhetri made an impassioned plea urging fans to come and watch national team matches at the stadium. Whether it is table tennis, badminton or cards… he is just super competitive ”PRADHYUM REDDYFormer assistant coach, Bengaluru FC Chhetri is that Indian side’s centre of …

Sunil Chhetri Opens Up on What Keeps Him Going and He Why is Not Chasing 100 Goals for India
1 year, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri Opens Up on What Keeps Him Going and He Why is Not Chasing 100 Goals for India

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri led India to their ninth SAFF Championship title after helping clinch the 2023 Intercontinental Cup, with the team playing nine games in a span of around 24 days. All of this has come together for me to play 100 games and as I said before, there’s only one me and it’s such an outstanding feeling. ” Up next …

Technically and tactically, we’re not there yet; we need improvement in all areas: Sunil Chhetri
1 year, 6 months ago

Technically and tactically, we’re not there yet; we need improvement in all areas: Sunil Chhetri

The Hindu  

It started with the Tri-Nation win in Manipur, then the Intercontinental Cup victory in Bhubaneshwar, and culminated with the SAFF Championship win in Bengaluru. But, with the King’s Cup, Merdeka Cup, and Asian Cup rapidly approaching, Blue Tigers captain Sunil Chhetri said “this is just the start”, and there is a long way to go before India can establish itself …

We want him to take rest but…India’s assistant coach drops massive remark on Sunil Chhetri
1 year, 6 months ago

We want him to take rest but…India’s assistant coach drops massive remark on Sunil Chhetri

Hindustan Times  

Sunil Chhetri has gotten off to a blinder of a start at the SAFF Championships in Bangalore, having already scored 4 goals in India’s 2 games, including a hat-trick against Pakistan. Indian team captain Sunil Chhetri acknowledges the crowd after winning a football match against Nepal He scored again in India’s match against Nepal, the first as the hosts beat …

Chhetri, Kohli memes flood on social media as India beat Pakistan 4-0
1 year, 6 months ago

Chhetri, Kohli memes flood on social media as India beat Pakistan 4-0

Live Mint  

With the Indian Indian football team's skipper captain Sunil Chhetri stepping up ahead and bagging a brilliant hat-trick for India against Pakistan in the SAFF Championship opener, fans have lauded the veteran striker on social media. Also, fans even shared hilarious memes on social media, comparing Chhetri's performances with former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli's performances against the neighboring …

Chhetri, self-effacing as ever, prefers to focus on the collective
1 year, 6 months ago

Chhetri, self-effacing as ever, prefers to focus on the collective

The Hindu  

Sportspersons are great lovers of symmetry. They crave records that give a sense of completeness and have rhythmic allure — like Novak Djokovic winning all three Majors at least thrice and Usain Bolt‘s ‘three-peat’ of the 100m and 200m Olympic golds. Nearly two decades down the line, he was still haunting Pakistan, scoring his fourth career international hat-trick to move …

Rejuvenated Chhetri relishes busy month ahead as India begins road to Asian Cup
1 year, 7 months ago

Rejuvenated Chhetri relishes busy month ahead as India begins road to Asian Cup

The Hindu  

Ahead of the Intercontinental Cup next month – starting marker for India’s preparation for the Asian Cup early next year – Sunil Chhetri, a fox in the opposition penalty box, appeared at his sharpest in front of the camera while facing the questions thrown at him. The short break, according to him, has seen the national team boys come back …

Chhetri credits youngsters in Indian team for SAFF C'ships triumph
3 years, 2 months ago

Chhetri credits youngsters in Indian team for SAFF C'ships triumph

The Hindu  

Talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri played a pivotal role in India's eighth SAFF Championships title triumph by striking five goals but he credited the young brigade for the team's victory. The 37-year-old Chhetri, Indian football's torchbearer for the last 10 years, went past legendary Pele and equalled Lionel Messi when he scored the team's opener -- and his 80th goal -- …

SAFF Championship highlights: India vs Nepal; Chhetri goal gives first win
3 years, 2 months ago

SAFF Championship highlights: India vs Nepal; Chhetri goal gives first win

The Hindu  

MATCH REPORT | India moves into third in the points table with 5 points. Yasir finds Udanta's run on the right and he plays in a ow ball into the edge of the Nepal box, where Brandon's shot is blocked by a diving body. Possibly the best build-up play from India in the three matches as it moves the ball …

Chhetri dismisses Messi comparison, wants Indian football team to be brave with the ball
3 years, 7 months ago

Chhetri dismisses Messi comparison, wants Indian football team to be brave with the ball

The Hindu  

Sunil Chhetri might be among the upper echelon in global football, but he remains grounded to reality. The Indian football team captain has gone past Lionel Messi to become the second-highest international goal-scorer among active men's footballers, but he is quick to dismiss any comparison between him and the Argentine icon. Chhetri had expressed his admiration for Messi in an …

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: If you give a chance to Chhetri, he will take that, concedes Bangladesh coach
3 years, 7 months ago

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: If you give a chance to Chhetri, he will take that, concedes Bangladesh coach

Firstpost  

Doha: Talismanic Sunil Chhetri won’t miss if you give him the opportunity to score, says Bangladesh coach Jamie Day after the Indian captain led his side to a 2-0 win in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The 36-year-old Chhetri scored a second-half brace against Bangladesh to hand India their first win in the joint preliminary …

Chhetri looks forward to BFC's redemption and life under Pezzaiuoli
3 years, 8 months ago

Chhetri looks forward to BFC's redemption and life under Pezzaiuoli

The Hindu  

The first few days after Sunil Chhetri tested positive for COVID-19 were the worst of his life. You think you will be fine…you are a fit person and nothing will happen….but I really struggled.” A month on, Chhetri is inching towards full fitness, slowly and steadily, even as Bengaluru FC gears up for the 2021 AFC Cup Preliminary Stage Two …

Sunil Chhetri is Best and Wants to Be The Best Every Single Day: Sahal Abdul Samad
4 years, 3 months ago

Sunil Chhetri is Best and Wants to Be The Best Every Single Day: Sahal Abdul Samad

News 18  

Footballer Sahal Abdul Samad has heaped praise on Sunil Chhetri, saying the talismanic India captain is the “best in India” and that “he wants to be the best every single day”. “If I have to choose one thing about him, it will be Chhetri bhai’s positive mindset — to be the best every day. Everybody knows he’s the best in …

Sunil Chhetri motivated enough to keep going: Stimac
4 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri motivated enough to keep going: Stimac

The Hindu  

Indian football head coach Igor Stimac feels that talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri is motivated enough to keep going and remains “very valuable” for guiding the national team youngsters. Asked if Chhetri can play for another three-four years, Stimac told PTI: “He is motivated enough to keep going and very valuable to our youngsters with his attitude, professionalism and a positive …

Sunil Chhetri is the Character Who Defines Indian Men's Football Team: Coach Igor Stimac
4 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri is the Character Who Defines Indian Men's Football Team: Coach Igor Stimac

News 18  

National team head coach Igor Stimac on Sunday hailed Sunil Chhetri, saying the talismanic captain was one of those who "glorified" Indian football with his dedication in the 15 years of his illustrious career. "Dedicated, workaholic and team man -- those are some of the attributes which define Sunil Chhetri," he said in a release issued by the All India …

On this day: Chhetri plays his 100th international match
4 years, 7 months ago

On this day: Chhetri plays his 100th international match

The Hindu  

Two years ago, on this day, Sunil Chhetri played his 100th international match for India, in the Intercontinental Cup. In the lead-up to that game, Chhetri had asked India’s football fans to turn up and support the national team. “Sunil bhai ’s message, the rain and fans turning up to the stadium – all combined to make it an unbelievable …

Chhetri cried while playing in Kolkata league, contemplated quitting
4 years, 8 months ago

Chhetri cried while playing in Kolkata league, contemplated quitting

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: One of India's greatest footballers, Sunil Chhetri reveals he was under so much pressure while playing in Kolkata early in his career that he cried many times and even contemplated quitting the sport. Chhetri, who made his international debut in 2005 in a match against Pakistan, said he was also lucky to have the likes of Bhutia and …

Sunil Chhetri signs three-year deal with Puma
5 years ago

Sunil Chhetri signs three-year deal with Puma

The Hindu  

Sunil Chhetri, captain of the Indian men’s football team and Bengaluru FC, signed a three-year deal with global sports giant Puma, on Tuesday. Chhetri, who is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo on the list of active international scorers in world football, joins the brand’s roster of global football icons including the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Romelu Lukaku, Luis Suarez and …

Stimac: India will play 10 friendlies in Europe next year
5 years, 1 month ago

Stimac: India will play 10 friendlies in Europe next year

The Hindu  

Describing Sunil Chhetri as ‘once-in-a-decade’ player, Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac on Friday said he does not see any one replacing the talismanic captain in the next five years. It has to be a team effort.” Talking about 35-year-old Chhetri’s influence in the team, Stimac said, “His influence is amazing, but he is a guy who never crosses …

Bhaichung Bhutia: 'Chhetri a great leader, a great player for India'
5 years, 7 months ago

Bhaichung Bhutia: 'Chhetri a great leader, a great player for India'

The Hindu  

Bhaichung Bhutia congratulated Sunil Chhetri on overtaking his record, and becoming India’s most capped International player at 108 matches. Chhetri on Wednesday overtook his mentor Bhutia’s record of 107 matches when he captained India in the King’s Cup opener against Curacao. Former Indian midfielder Renedy Singh clarified “no player ever plays for records.” “Sunil has been a regular in the …

Indian Football: Sunil Chhetri on the cusp of being India's most capped player
5 years, 7 months ago

Indian Football: Sunil Chhetri on the cusp of being India's most capped player

The Hindu  

Sunil Chhetri is just a match away from being the most-capped Indian international. “I think the knowledge and discipline is the highest in my life right now, in terms of taking risk, in terms of having the right food, and in terms of training, and that’s probably why I am this fit,” said Chhetri on Saturday during a media interaction …

Indian football's stakeholders must look to sustain smaller clubs, says captain Sunil Chhetri
5 years, 10 months ago

Indian football's stakeholders must look to sustain smaller clubs, says captain Sunil Chhetri

Firstpost  

Chhetri, who is also the country’s most-capped player, urged that the interests of smaller clubs must be taken into account by the decision-makers while planning the course of Indian football. New Delhi: India’s football captain Sunil Chhetri has thrown his weight behind smaller clubs plying their trade in the national domestic leagues. Speaking at an event hosted by Football Delhi …

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