Amidst the jubilation, Chhetri sought out Sonam, embracing her warmly. He then removed his captain's armband and gently placed it on Sonam's arm.
Football was not very close to Sunil Chhetri's heart during his days as a bubbly teenager with proclivity for pranks. He was only looking to use the sport as a vehicle to gain entry to a reputed college and continue his education.
Talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri has been left out of the 35 probables named by newly-appointed Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
At a time when Indian football is seeking a radical overhaul, the Super Cup, starting in Goa from Saturday, could act as a catalyst for clubs to build their teams, prepare their players, get valuable match time, and keep their hopes of continental qualifications alive.
FIFA has now created a special series about India's football captain in recognition of his glorious career.
Sunil Chhetri said the current state of uncertainty in Indian football is very concerning and the sport's ecosystem is 'worried, hurt, and scared' by the top-tier ISL being put on hold indefinitely.
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Sunil Chhetri defies age and conditions to produce a masterclass
The AIFF said in a statement that Jhingan "is under expert medical care in Goa, and his recovery and rehabilitation are being closely monitored"
2018-19 ISL champions Bengaluru FC said they had taken the decision "in view of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Indian Super League season."
Chhetri has been India's primary weapon in this tournament, as he has so far netted five goals from three matches
India face hosts Tajikistan on August 29 followed by matches against Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4.
Newly appointed India head coach Khalid Jamil on Sunday cleared the air about the leaving out of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri from the CAFA Nations Cup national camp, saying it was just a preparatory tournament for the crucial Asian Cup qualifying round matches in October.
'I feel fine as I continue my recovery from the virus and should be back on a football pitch soon'
India are placed in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. The matches will be being played on a home-and-away round-robin format.
Sunil Chhetri returns to the national team,
Chhetri and his wife Sonam Bhattacharya were blessed with their son Dhruv in August. Chhetri said that has changed his perspective on life.
'Yes, this is an away game against a good team, but we have to prepare accordingly and think only of one thing -- a positive result.'
Indian men's football team drops six places to 133rd in FIFA rankings, worst in nine years
India football head coach Manolo Marquez stepped down on Wednesday after reaching a 'mutual agreement' with the All Indian Football Federation.
Indian club football appeared to be in complete crisis as Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday suspended their operations in view of the uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL), days after Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC decided to stop paying salaries to their first-team players and staff.
'You're paying Rs 42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It just shows how clueless the management is.'
The squad announcement also marks the return of East Bengal's dependable central defender Anwar Ali, who had been sidelined since February due to a hamstring injury. He last featured in competitive action against Bengaluru FC in the ISL.
India lose 0-2 to Thailand in friendly match; reality check ahead of Asian Cup qualifier game
Chhetri and BFC had lifted the ISL trophy in 2018-19 season with the talismanic striker as skipper.
Sunil Chhetri likened the national team setup with his home and expressed his relief at returning to where he belongs
Chhetri is 38 but still continues to be the spearhead of Indian attack
The Argentina captain's Kolkata schedule on December 13 will begin at 9am with a meet-and-greet event, followed by the unveiling of a 70-feet statue of him at the Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road.
Sunil Chhetri scored twice during the group stage of the Asian Cup in the beginning of last year.
India and Bangladesh played out a goalless draw in their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying round match in Shillong on Tuesday.
First win for India since Nov 2023 and first under coach Manolo Marquez.
Chhetri and Kohli share a special and endearing relationship, bonded by their extraordinary levels of fitness and love for their nation and respective sports.
The Gaurs looked to set the tone of this game from the onset, with Boris Singh hammering a shot from distance way too high to the target in the seventh minute.
Marquez also confirmed Chhetri's involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India.
All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey said the governing body has been actively working on policies to integrate Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players into the national team setup.
Sunil Chhetri said the players should enjoy the tournament once they have prepared well for it.
Sunil Chhetri's late equaliser for Bengaluru FC ended East Bengal FC's play-offs aspirations after a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League match in Kolkata.
India go down 0-1 to Hong Kong in crucial 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier match
India striker Sunil Chhetri will appear for trials at English club Coventry City. Chhetri, who plays for East Bengal, has been granted a week's leave (from January 25-31) by his club, said an official. 'We have granted him a week's permission with an official letter. We hope he won't miss out on any matches on account of the trials,' the official said.
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