‘Class-act’ Chhetri reaches milestone
FOOTBALL CAPTAIN PRAISED FOR HIS WORK ETHIC AS HE COMPLETES 15 YEARS IN INDIAN COLOURS
INDIAN national team head coach Igor Stimac last Sunday (14) hailed footballer Sunil Chhetri, saying the talismanic captain was one of those who “glorified” the sport in the country in the 15 years of his illustrious career.
The 35-year-old Chhetri last Friday (12) became only the second Indian after legendary Bhaichung Bhutia to complete 15 years in India colours. He made his debut in 2005 against Pakistan in Quetta in a friendly match, and scored in the 1-1 drawn game.
According to Stimac, Chhetri was someone who always ran the extra yard, breaking into more sweat during training sessions, which encouraged youngsters to emulate him.
“I see him as someone who always pushes the bar in training and never compromises with the regime. He drives the team and he is the character who defines the team.
“Numerous characters have glorified Indian football history and he’s definitely one of them who have made his country proud,” the Croatian tactician said. “Dedicated, workaholic and a team man – those are some of the attributes which define Sunil Chhetri,” he said in a release issued by the All India Football Federation.
The former Croatian World Cup star, who took charge of the national team last year, recalled seeing Chhetri during the preparatory camp ahead of the King’s Cup 2019 – his first assignment with the Blue Tigers.
He pointed out that despite being the senior-most member of the team, Chhetri was among those who worked the hardest to achieve positive results after the heartbreak in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The team did not qualify for the knock-out stage, losing two of their three group-stage matches and finishing last in their group.
“When I first saw him last year, they were back to the national team camp after a long gap following the AFC Asian Cup. A few boys were new, but the fire under his belly probably was more than anyone else. That’s the secret of his long career. Congratulations!” Stimac said. Former India coach Sukhwinder Singh, who guided the Indians in that 2005 match against Pakistan, had said he was not sure of Chhetri’s ability back then. “I needed someone who had the trickery, didn’t have the fear, and had to be quick. Honestly, Sunil wasn’t in my mind at all. He wasn’t my first option. I had my doubts,” Singh had said.
“I saw him maturing in JCT [football club] and there were flashes of what he could do in future. I still remember his hunger,” Singh said.
“In 19 years of my coaching career, I haven’t seen anyone as dedicated as Sunil. He remained undaunted and was not willing to shy away from working hard.
“Shouldering the responsibility for 15 years demands discipline and he keeps it above everything else.”