Football

Sunil Chhetri becomes the first Indian footballer to win the Khel Ratna award

 

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri became the first Indian football to be conferred with the Khel Ratna award. Chhetri, 37 has been donning the India colours for two decades now. Over the years he has seen great changes in the Indian football circuit.

Speaking on his journey Chhetri said, “It is beyond a dream. A wonderful journey that wouldn’t have been possible without my family, my friends, my wife, my close group, the players that I’ve played with, the coaches that I’ve played under, the masseurs, the doctors.

“And I say this because all of them are equally important for whatever I’ve achieved in the number of years I’ve played for the country,” he added.

The ace goalscorer recalled his interaction with former India head coach Bob Houghton. He shared how Houghton motivated the players to grasp every chance when they are featuring for the national team as it won’t be for a long time.

However, Chhetri has contributed a lot more and is still going on. The Bengaluru FC man revealed how playing for the national team gives him immense joy.

Chhetri has been a trailblazer for Indian football over the years and he is loved and respected in India and also in the whole of Asia. Hence Chhetri revealed his feelings after winning the Khel Ratna.

“When I got the award, I was completely thrilled and I’m really thankful and honoured. These things don’t usually come to my mind. I’m unable to think about them and probably that’s why my life is pretty easier. I don’t take too much stress. I don’t think long-term because it phases out. That’s how it works for me,” Chhetri revealed.

The 37-year-old made his debut on June 12, 2005 against Pakistan and since then he has featured in 125 matches for the Blue Tigers. Chhetri is currently on level terms with Lionel Messi at 80 goals. He was recently the highest goalscorer in the SAFF Championship where he helped India lift the trophy after beating Nepal in the finals.

Sunil Chhetri’s Khel Ratna win opens up new avenues for Indian football. A lot of young boys and girls will take inspiration from this and will look forward to playing the sport uplifting football in the country.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025