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Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement, To Play Last Match For India On June 6
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri on Thursday announced his decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, bringing the curtains down on a glorious two-decade career. The long-serving national team captain announced his decision via a video he posted on his social media accounts. India are currently second in Group A with four points, behind leaders Qatar.
Sunil Chhetri, the name synonymous with Indian football, has been a beacon of excellence and inspiration for nearly two decades. As he announces his retirement, it is a fitting moment to look back at the journey of this extraordinary athlete who has left an indelible mark on the sport in India and beyond.
Early Life and Beginnings
Sunil Chhetri Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Sunil Chhetri was introduced to football at a young age, influenced by his parents who were both athletes. His mother played for the Nepal women’s national team, and his father was an officer in the Indian Army who also played football. This sporting lineage set the stage for Chhetri’s future.
Chhetri’s professional career began in 2002 with Mohun Bagan, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football clubs. His talent was evident early on, but it was during his tenure with JCT in 2005 that he truly began to shine, scoring consistently and establishing himself as a formidable forward.
Rising to Prominence
Sunil Chhetri’s rise in Indian football was meteoric. His exceptional performance with JCT, where he scored 21 goals in 48 matches, caught the attention of the national selectors. Chhetri made his debut for the Indian national team in 2005, and there was no looking back.
In 2007, he played a crucial role in India’s Nehru Cup victory, scoring pivotal goals that cemented his reputation as a clutch player. The following year, he was instrumental in India’s triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup, which secured their qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
Achievements and Records
Sunil Chhetri’s career is studded with numerous accolades and records. He is India’s all-time top scorer and the most-capped player, with over 125 appearances and more than 80 goals for the national team. His goal-scoring prowess places him among the top international scorers, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo among active players at the time of his retirement.
Some of Chhetri’s significant achievements include:
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- Leading India to multiple SAFF Championship titles.
- Being named AIFF Player of the Year multiple times.
- Winning the Arjuna Award in 2011 and the Padma Shri in 2019.
- Representing Indian clubs like East Bengal, Dempo, and Bengaluru FC, and having brief stints with international clubs such as Sporting Kansas City (USA) and Sporting CP B (Portugal).
As Sunil Chhetri bids farewell to professional football, his legacy is firmly entrenched in the annals of Indian sports history. His journey from a young dreamer to a national icon serves as an inspiration to countless young footballers across the country. While his presence on the pitch will be missed, there is little doubt that Chhetri will continue to contribute to Indian football in other capacities, perhaps in coaching, mentorship, or sports administration.
Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era, but the foundations he has laid will ensure that Indian football continues to grow and thrive. His story is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams.
Thank you, Sunil Chhetri, for the memories, the goals, and the inspiration. Indian football will forever be grateful for your contributions.
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