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."
Nepal has reiterated its claim over the Lipulekh territory, stating it is an inseparable part of the country, after India and China agreed to resume border trade through the area. The Nepalese government has incorporated the territory into its official map and Constitution. India has rejected Nepal's claims, asserting they are not based on historical facts or evidence.
Retiring India football captain Sunil Chhetri's sheer hard work, passion and professionalism made him different from other players of his generation as he went on to become an iconic player, feels his former skipper Bhaichung Bhutia.
'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.'
Thanking everyone for being part of his glorious 19-year journey in international football, Sunil Chhetri was in tears as his teammates gave the Indian football icon a guard of honour while the packed Salt Lake Stadium rose for a standing ovation.
'I had a great ride all these 19 years. I will go as a fan and support the team wherever the team goes.'
The match against India on Tuesday, will be his first outing in a Bangladesh jersey.
Sunil Chhetri stirred up emotions in his final international outing but the Indian football team just could not rise to the occasion as it settled for a goalless draw against Kuwait.
India go down 0-1 to Hong Kong in crucial 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier match
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.
Chhetri had made his 150th appearance for India in March and scored on the occasion against Afghanistan in Guwahati. India, though, lost that game 1-2.
Chhetri and BFC had lifted the ISL trophy in 2018-19 season with the talismanic striker as skipper.
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.
'You're paying Rs 42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It just shows how clueless the management is.'
Indian men's football team drops six places to 133rd in FIFA rankings, worst in nine years
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.
The Indian men's U-23 team suffered a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against Tajikistan in a thrilling international friendly at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda on Wednesday.
Talented winger Lallianzuala Chhangte "would not mind" stepping up as the next number 9 of the Indian football team, after talismanic forward Sunil Chhetri's illustrious career comes to an end in Kolkata on June 6.
India football head coach Manolo Marquez stepped down on Wednesday after reaching a 'mutual agreement' with the All Indian Football Federation.
At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight". The entire village had a good laugh.
A 16-year-old Sunil Chhetri's joy knew no bounds when he was handed over a token amount of Rs 1000 for his first-ever contract with a Delhi-based club, recalled his childhood coach Mohammad Sajid on Thursday.
At 39, he is, understandably, a different footballer but the hunger for goals remains.
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.
India lose 0-2 to Thailand in friendly match; reality check ahead of Asian Cup qualifier game
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.
'Indian football captain and legend Sunil Chhetri dropped by at the Chinnaswamy to watch RCB practice, and spent time with Virat Kohli and the boys. @chetrisunil11's fielding skills are fire!' RCB tweeted.
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.
Only a few players become legends in their playing days and Sunil Chhetri belonged to that rare tribe, India's head coach Igor Stimac said in a glowing tribute to the talismanic skipper, who will hang his boots on June 6.
Chhetri's record against the neighbours is quite impressive, scoring four goals in eight matches including a spectacular strike from a free kick in Kolkata in 2022.
Marquez also confirmed Chhetri's involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India.
'My wife and I are overjoyed to announce that we are expecting a baby. This is the way she wanted to announce.'
'All the very best! We'll be cheering and supporting you'll,' Jemimah said in a video posted on AIFF's official X handle.
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.
Sunil Chhetri, along with his wife Sonam Bhattacherjee, delighted fans by sharing the first glimpse of their newborn son
RCB are currently placed sixth in the IPL standings with 12 points from 13 games and will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings in a must-win match in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Inspirational Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri on Thursday attributed the country's SAFF Championships triumph to the fighting spirit of the team
Bengaluru FC pulled off the biggest win in ISL play-offs history, thrashing Mumbai City FC 5-0 to progress to the semi-finals.
Tuesday's match holds importance for India as any slip-up could be disastrous in their bid to make it to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Chhetri also added that India will rely more on teamwork than individual flair to give a tough fight to their rivals.
Chhetri and his wife Sonam Bhattacharya were blessed with their son Dhruv in August. Chhetri said that has changed his perspective on life.
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