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 in the capital on Friday, Chhetri, who is also the country’s most-capped player, urged that the interests of such clubs must be taken into account by the decision-makers while planning the course of Indian football. “We don’t need a next Sunil Chhetri for Indian football to grow.

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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 …

Sunil Chhetri interview: Early identification of good players crucial for Indian football
1 month ago

Sunil Chhetri interview: Early identification of good players crucial for Indian football

Hindustan Times  

For India’s football standards to improve, it is important to find talented footballers at the age of six or so and get them to train in good academies with adequate facilities. Schools also have to play a role by increasing the number of weekly PE periods, said Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri. Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri Excerpts… India’s ranking …

'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, …

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 …

Thank You, Sunil Chhetri: Fans Bring Out Spectacular Tifos For Captain Fantastic On His Farewell Appearance For India, Pictures Go Viral
7 months ago

Thank You, Sunil Chhetri: Fans Bring Out Spectacular Tifos For Captain Fantastic On His Farewell Appearance For India, Pictures Go Viral

ABP News  

Sunil Chhetri walked out for India one final time during the Blue Tigers' FIFA World Cup Qualifiers fixture against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday. While he could not score in his farewell match which ended goalless, it was an emotional moment for Chhetri as well as the football fans who welcomed captain fantastic into the …

Sunil Chhetri Last Match FIFA Bids Farewell To India Legend Salt Lake Stadium Kolkata
7 months ago

Sunil Chhetri Last Match FIFA Bids Farewell To India Legend Salt Lake Stadium Kolkata

ABP News  

Sunil Chhetri Last Match: Sunil Chhetri, the Indian football legend, is plying his trade for one last time for the Blue Tigers as India are taking on Kuwait in a must-win FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday. Before the start of the match though, even the world football governing body bid …

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 …

'Retiring As a Legend': FIFA Pays Tribute to India's Sunil Chhetri Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
7 months, 3 weeks ago

'Retiring As a Legend': FIFA Pays Tribute to India's Sunil Chhetri Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

News 18  

The shock announcement of Sunil Chhetri’s retirement has brought the Indian footballing world to a standstill as countless showered their praises and flowers for the legendary Indian striker. The true impact that Chhetri leaves behind on the international stage was recognised as FIFA themselves took it upon themselves to pay homage to the record-breaking striker as they placed him alongside …

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 Announces Retirement Top Achievements Medals Career Goals Records Net Worth Age Wife
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement Top Achievements Medals Career Goals Records Net Worth Age Wife

ABP News  

Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, one of the most illustrious footballers in India's history, formally announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. Sunil Chhetri's final international appearance for India will be in the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait on Thursday at West Bengal's Salt Lake Stadium. Chhetri, the leading goalscorer in Indian football history, stands as …

Sunil Chhetri, Indian football team captain, announces retirement; World Cup qualifier against Kuwait to be his swansong
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Sunil Chhetri, Indian football team captain, announces retirement; World Cup qualifier against Kuwait to be his swansong

Hindustan Times  

Sunil Chhetri, India's most decorated footballer, has announced his retirement from international football. Chhetri, 39, made the announcement through a video on social media platform X, mentioning that India's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier game against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 will be his last. India's game against Kuwait is a must-win to stay in contention for a World …

India football captain Sunil Chhetri yet to decide on retirement: Enjoying the bonus period
1 year, 2 months ago

India football captain Sunil Chhetri yet to decide on retirement: Enjoying the bonus period

India Today  

Indian football talisman Sunil Chhetri acknowledges that he's currently in the twilight of his remarkable career, but he hasn't specified a retirement date. Nevertheless, it's definite that the 39-year-old Chhetri won't be participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I just want to enjoy it," Chhetri said ahead of India's 2026 World Cup second-round qualifiers matches later this month. Chhetri …

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: ‘To break into top-10 in Asia, India needs players better than me’
1 year, 5 months ago

Sunil Chhetri: ‘To break into top-10 in Asia, India needs players better than me’

The Hindu  

When it comes to Indian football, Sunil Chhetri’s name towers above everyone else on the list of all-time goal scorers’ list. It may not be feasible for a premium player like Sandesh Jhingan or Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to play the ISL, 10 to 13 matches for the country, the Super Cup, and the Durand and Rovers Cups, but we have …

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 …

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 …

Sunil Chhetri announces his contract extension with Bengaluru FC after India beats Lebanon in SAFF Championship
1 year, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri announces his contract extension with Bengaluru FC after India beats Lebanon in SAFF Championship

The Hindu  

Sunil Chhetri, announced a contract extension with the Bengaluru FC after the winning the SAFF Championship semifinal against Lebanon at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday. Nearly 10 years later, the Indian football legend has 106 goals and 18 assists for the club, winning eight major trophies with the club, including the two I-league and three Federation Cup titles. …

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 …

IPL 2023: Sunil Chhetri meets Virat Kohli and RCB ahead of Mumbai Indians clash
1 year, 9 months ago

IPL 2023: Sunil Chhetri meets Virat Kohli and RCB ahead of Mumbai Indians clash

India Today  

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri met the entire Royal Challengers Bangalore team ahead of their opener in the Indian Premier League. Chhetri, considered as one of the fittest men in Indian football, despite the age of 38 showed some outlandish skills in the field that amazed the RCB team. The football star - one of the highest scorers for …

Captain Fantastic: FIFA Honours Sunil Chhetri with a Heartwarming Docuseries
2 years, 3 months ago

Captain Fantastic: FIFA Honours Sunil Chhetri with a Heartwarming Docuseries

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri is arguably India’s greatest football player. The official Twitter account of FIFA World Cup tweeted about the docuseries and wrote, “You know all about Ronaldo and Messi, now get the definitive story of the third highest scoring active men’s international. You know all about Ronaldo and Messi, now get the definitive story of the third highest scoring active …

'Two Decades is A Bit of A Wait'- Sunil Chhetri Expresses Joy After Maiden Durand Cup Win
2 years, 3 months ago

'Two Decades is A Bit of A Wait'- Sunil Chhetri Expresses Joy After Maiden Durand Cup Win

News 18  

India football captain Sunil Chhetri has added another feather to his cap as his side, Bengaluru FC lifted the maiden Durand Cup on Sunday. Durand Cup Champions – would have been a shame if an Army kid playing football professionally never had the chance to say this. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunil Chhetri Chhetri-led BFC …

Sunil Chhetri asks players to focus on football instead of FIFA ban threat
2 years, 4 months ago

Sunil Chhetri asks players to focus on football instead of FIFA ban threat

The Hindu  

Seasoned striker Sunil Chhetri on Sunday advised fellow players to continue giving their best on the pitch and not worry about FIFA’s threat of suspension on Indian football. Earlier this month, world football governing body FIFA had threatened to suspend the AIFF and strip off its right to host the women’s U-17 World Cup in October due to a third …

'Please come again this time': India skipper Sunil Chhetri to fans ahead of Asian Cup Qualifiers
2 years, 7 months ago

'Please come again this time': India skipper Sunil Chhetri to fans ahead of Asian Cup Qualifiers

Firstpost  

Kolkata: Four years after he made a similar heartfelt appeal in Mumbai, Indian national captain Sunil Chhetri once again appealed to the fans to throng the stadium in large numbers during their upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers beginning in Kolkata on 8 June. It was during the Inter-Continental Cup in Mumbai 2018, Chhetri made an emotional appeal to fans on social …

Sunil Chhetri Receives The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award - News18
3 years, 1 month ago

Sunil Chhetri Receives The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award - News18

News 18  

Indian Senior Men’s National Team captain Sunil Chhetri received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from honourable President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind earlier today. WATCH SUNIL CHHETRI RECEIVE THE KHEL RATNA AWARD: President Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand #KhelRatnaAward 2021 on Footballer Sunil ChhetriLIVE Stream here📲 https://t.co/yKUBRZIa97 pic.twitter.com/lbTELleXOl — Doordarshan Sports November 13, 2021 “One …

Sunil Chhetri, football's first Khel Ratna awardee, says it has been a dream journey
3 years, 2 months ago

Sunil Chhetri, football's first Khel Ratna awardee, says it has been a dream journey

India TV News  

The first footballer to be conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Indian maestro Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday said the journey that he has been through in the last 16 years has been nothing short of a dream. Since his India debut on June 12, 2005 against Pakistan in Quetta, Chhetri has rewritten the country's football history many …

'It's been an outstanding journey', says Sunil Chhetri, football's first Khel Ratna awardee
3 years, 2 months ago

'It's been an outstanding journey', says Sunil Chhetri, football's first Khel Ratna awardee

Firstpost  

“It has been amazing to play for the National team, for so many years, for the number of matches, it has been an outstanding journey,” said the 36-year-old year talismanic India captain in an AIFF release. New Delhi: The first footballer to be conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Indian maestro Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday said the …

"No One Deserves it More Than Sunil": AIFF President Congratulates Chhetri for Khel Ratna
3 years, 2 months ago

"No One Deserves it More Than Sunil": AIFF President Congratulates Chhetri for Khel Ratna

News 18  

All India Football Federation congratulated Indian senior men’s national team captain Sunil Chhetri on being named in the coveted list for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Sunil who had earlier been named as a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award, is the first ever Indian Footballer to be named as the winner of the Khel Ratna. I …

AIFF recommends Sunil Chhetri for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi's name put up for Arjuna Award
3 years, 6 months ago

AIFF recommends Sunil Chhetri for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi's name put up for Arjuna Award

Firstpost  

National women’s football team striker Bala Devi, who is currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, has been recommended for the coveted Arjuna Award. Talismanic India captain Sunil Chhetri has been recommended for this year’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting honour, by the All India Football Federation. “We have recommended Sunil Chhetri for the …

Sunil Chhetri nominated for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi for Arjuna
3 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri nominated for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi for Arjuna

The Hindu  

Talismanic India captain Sunil Chhetri has been recommended for this year's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country's highest sporting honour, by the All India Football Federation. National women's football team striker Bala Devi, who is currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Women's Premier League, has been recommended for the coveted Arjuna Award. "We have recommended Sunil Chhetri for the …

Sunnil Chhetri Nominated for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi for Arjuna Award by AIFF
3 years, 6 months ago

Sunnil Chhetri Nominated for Khel Ratna, Bala Devi for Arjuna Award by AIFF

News 18  

Talismanic India captain Sunil Chhetri has been recommended for this year’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting honour, by the All India Football Federation. National women’s football team striker Bala Devi, who is currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, has been recommended for the coveted Arjuna Award. “We have recommended Sunil Chhetri for the …

'We Shouldn't be Looking for Next Sunil Chhetri': Indian Football Team Captain on His Birthday and Delhi Football Day
4 years, 5 months ago

'We Shouldn't be Looking for Next Sunil Chhetri': Indian Football Team Captain on His Birthday and Delhi Football Day

News 18  

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri said on Monday having his birthday celebrated as Delhi Football Day was a huge honour and something like a dream. Chhetri celebrates his birthday on August 3 and Shaji Prabhakaran-presided Football Delhi decided to celebrate the day as Delhi Football Day since the Indian football team captain came up the ranks from the state. …

Sunil Chhetri Voted AFC Asian Cup 2019 Favourite Footballer by Fans
4 years, 5 months ago

Sunil Chhetri Voted AFC Asian Cup 2019 Favourite Footballer by Fans

News 18  

After 5,61,856 votes over 19 days, Sunil Chhetri was voted as the favourite player of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup by fans, edging out Eldor Shomurodov of Uzbekistan in the final. The poll was conducted by Asian Football Confederation on their official Instagram handle as Indians flooded the profile to vote for their Captain, Leader, Legend.Sunil Chhetri beat Shomurodov 51-49 …

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 …

Sunil Chhetri on Retirement: Enjoying My Football, Not Going Away Anytime Soon
4 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri on Retirement: Enjoying My Football, Not Going Away Anytime Soon

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri has been the leading man of the revolution in Indian football. "I am enjoying my football and am not going away anytime soon," said Sunil Chhetri, indicating that he will keep on playing for another three to four years. The 35-year-old Sunil Chhetri, who holds the national record of most international matches and most number of goals, made …

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 …

Sunil Chhetri signs three-year deal with Puma
5 years, 1 month 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 …

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 …

Sunil Chhetri conferred with Football Ratna honour by Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran
5 years, 10 months ago

Sunil Chhetri conferred with Football Ratna honour by Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran

The Hindu  

Sunil Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer in international football, says he is always there to help develop the sport in the national capital, where he was brought up. The 34-year-old Padma Shri awardee was on Friday conferred the first ever Football Ratna honour by Football Delhi, the association governing the sport in the city. Football Delhi president Shaji Prabhakaran, himself …

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