Sunil Chhetri was once again the man of the moment as he struck a brace to inspire India to a 2-0 win over Cambodia in the third round of qualifying for next year's Asian Cup.
wo months into his stint as West Bengal governor, La Ganesan copped national criticism for pushing Indian football talisman Sunil Chhetri, in order to get clicked during the Durand Cup prize distribution ceremony in Kolkata.
'Sixteen years to the day I met you and I can't thank you enough for braving it, stealing your dad's (and my coach's) phone and sending me that text.'
Stimac had said he would need at least a four-week camp to do well in the Asian Cup while the All India Football Federation (AIFF) top brass had indicated that his demand would be difficult to meet as the clubs may not agree to release their players for such a long period in the midst of the domestic season.
Hyderabad now have 29 points from 16 games, four more than second-placed Jamshedpur FC who have played two matches less. Bengaluru remain third with 23 in their kitty from 16 outings.
India captain Sunil Chhetri on Saturday said that he is "fossilized" and the country may not find his exact replacement.
There is speculation about his retirement and the Indian captain happily responds with a smile that 'I don't know yet'.
Sunil Chhetri will be the cynosure of all eyes as the Blue Tigers look to regain the Intercontinental Cup
Bengaluru FC will head into the second leg of the ISL semifinal with a narrow advantage after registering a 1-0 lead over Mumbai City FC in the first leg in Mumbai.
India face tough Iraq test sans Chhetri
An Indian Super League play-off match descended into chaos when the Kerala Blasters walked off the pitch in protest after Bengaluru FC's Sunil Chhetri scored from a quickly-taken free kick on Friday.
'Saare coaching sessions ka ek hi invoice bheju, ya aasan kishton mein chukaoge champ?'
Chhetri still takes advice from former captain Bhutia who has a huge influence on him.
'I know it's a pressure on the boys that it has been one year, but soon we will win a game. Don't worry, we are on the right track.'
Not only the senior team but the young Blue Colts also emerged victorious in the SAFF Men's U-19 champions after hammering Pakistan in the final and clinching a vigorous 3-0 victory.
Chhetri expressed his desire to play the Asian Cup on home soil
'I feel fine as I continue my recovery from the virus and should be back on a football pitch soon'
The Indian men's team currently occupies the 18th spot among countries under the Asian Football Confederation, while the women's side is ranked 11th.
Farukh Choudhary and skipper Sunil Chhetri struck in the second half to guide India to a 2-1 victory over Nepal in their second International friendly, in Kathmandu, on Sunday.
Blue Tigers rise to third spot.
This was Bengaluru FC's fourth defeat from 15 matches, leaving them with 27 points in second place, while Mohammedan SC remain in 12th spot with 10 points.
Punjab FC ended their seven-game winless streak in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bengaluru FC.
Sunil Chhetri equalled the iconic Lionel Messi with his 80th international strike as an inspired India blanked Nepal 3-0 for their eighth SAFF Championship title, in Male, on Saturday. India extended their domination in the regional tournament thanks to second half goals from Chhetri (49th minute), Suresh Singh (50th) and Sahal Abdul Samad (90th).
India captain Sunil Chhetri added another feather to his illustrious cap as he overtook Argentina star Lionel Messi to become the second-highest goalscorer among the current players in international football.
Rathore, Tendulkar lead accolades for Chhetri
Mumbai City FC secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Indian Super League, thanks to a second-half offensive surge.
Having endured a topsy-turvy start to their campaign before a fine turnaround, seven-time champions India start as title favourites when they take on first-time finalists Nepal in the summit clash of the SAFF Championships, in Male, on Saturday.
Inter Kashi knock Bengaluru FC out of Kalinga Super Cup with penalty shoot-out win
Sunil Chhetri's late goal earned India the 1-0 victory over Nepal in the SAFF Championship, at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives, on Sunday. The victory took India to third in the group standings with five points, just a behind Maldives and Nepal, both of whom have six points each.
The Islanders thus finish the league season at the sixth spot with 36 points, whereas the Gerard Zaragoza-coached side end their league campaign with 38 points.
AIFF President Praful Patel congratulated Chhetri on being conferred with the Khel Ratna.
Odisha ended their four-match losing streak.
Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Mirabai Chanu have joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to combat obesity, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
East Bengal finished the season in the bottom-place on the points table, with only one win in 20 matches
Sunil Chhetri became the 8th top scorer in international football after equalling Brazil legend Pele's goal tally.
Sunil Chhetri said said if more people are made aware and educated about the issue, the incidents of abuse will also go down.
MBSG have added the ISL trophy to their League Winners' Shield they had won earlier in the season for a ISL double.
Delhi Capitals will be aiming to claim the top spot, while UP Warriorz will be desperate to register their first victory of the season when the two sides face off in the Women's Premier League in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Last year, Kohli had adopted a plant-based diet and Chhetri said his awareness came during a stint with Sporting Lisbon in 2013.
Sunil Chhetri, playing in his 121st international in the SAFF Championship, struck in the 27th minute to place himself just a goal shy of legendary Brazillian Pele (77 goals from 92 matches).
