Fourteen players, including Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri, are not immediately joining the preparatory camp for next month's Asian Cup qualifying round matches against Singapore as three clubs have delayed the release of their players, which will be a cause of concern for head coach Khalid Jamil.
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.
Jadeja returned to haunt South Africa with the ball after the Proteas came out to bat for the second time in the match.
India fail to qualify for 2027 AFC Asian Cup after 1-2 loss to Singapore
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.
Bengaluru FC defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday, with Spaniard Alberto Noguera scoring a brace.
'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.'
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.
Chhetri and BFC had lifted the ISL trophy in 2018-19 season with the talismanic striker as skipper.
ISL, I-League clubs to meet Sports Minister after talks with AIFF chief Chaubey fail to end deadlock
Nearly three decades after the ambitious project was first conceived to decongest the existing airport in the financial capital, the greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport became a reality on Thursday as an IndiGo Airbus A320 from Bengaluru landed on the tarmac at 8 am amid a traditional water cannon salute.
Bhutia calls for systemic overhaul, urges India to follow Asian football models
Indian football remained in a state of terminal decline after experiencing arguably its darkest phase in a year marked by severe administrative crisis, court hearings, financial issues, absence of domestic leagues, and a steep decline in performance of the senior men's team.
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 have slumped to 142 in the FIFA rankings -- their lowest in nearly a decade.
'Just like I do on football, I will try my best.'
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.
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."
'You're paying Rs 42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It just shows how clueless the management is.'
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.
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'Saare coaching sessions ka ek hi invoice bheju, ya aasan kishton mein chukaoge champ?'
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.
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.
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.
'All the very best! We'll be cheering and supporting you'll,' Jemimah said in a video posted on AIFF's official X handle.
'My wife and I are overjoyed to announce that we are expecting a baby. This is the way she wanted to announce.'
Marquez also confirmed Chhetri's involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India.
India lose 0-2 to Thailand in friendly match; reality check ahead of Asian Cup qualifier game
Anwar was handed a four-month ban by All India Football Federation (AIFF) in early September with the governing body holding the player "guilty" of terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan in an unjust manner and signing a new deal with East Bengal, having returned to his parent club Delhi FC.
In a game that had its moments, India had a great chance of scoring from a free kick after Gurkirat Singh was fouled near the Bangladesh box.
Sunil Chhetri said he would like to be remembered as 'the luckiest and most hardworking national team player'.
Pressure will be on India against Singapore, but Jhingan available for matches: Jamil
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.
'I'm looking at it as a chance to play international football, to represent India, and to hopefully inspire other players with a similar background to me, to show them that they can come to India and do the same thing.'
India football head coach Manolo Marquez stepped down on Wednesday after reaching a 'mutual agreement' with the All Indian Football Federation.
Talisman Sunil Chhetri, senior defender Sandesh Jhingan and first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu were on Tuesday named in a 22-member Indian men's football squad for the upcoming Asian Games.
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.
The AIFF said in a statement that Jhingan "is under expert medical care in Goa, and his recovery and rehabilitation are being closely monitored"
Indian men's football team drops six places to 133rd in FIFA rankings, worst in nine years
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