NewsPoint
May 31, 2024
In 2021, Sunil Chhetri became the sole footballer to win India's highest sporting accolade, the Khel Ratna Award, bestowed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He joined luminaries like Neeraj Chopra and Mithali Raj in receiving this prestigious honour.
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Debuting against Pakistan in 2005, Sunil Chhetri has been India's most-capped player, with 131 international appearances spanning over 17 years, marking an illustrious career in football.
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Ranked third globally in active players for goals, behind Ronaldo and Messi, Sunil Chhetri holds fifth place overall with 84 goals. A record-setter in India, he dominates the Indian Super League, attracting fans and betting sites alike with his prolific scoring.
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Sunil Chhetri secured a historic feat, claiming the most AIFF Player of the Year awards for an Indian footballer, winning it seven times in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2022. His achievement surpasses legends like M. Vijayan, Baichung Bhutia, and Jo Paul Ancheri
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With a mother who played for Nepal's national team and a father from the Army with a passion for the sport, Sunil Chhetri's love for football was ingrained from childhood, making sports an innate part of his life.
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In 2009, Sunil Chhetri's three-year deal with Queens Park Rangers hit a snag as the British government denied him a work permit due to India's FIFA ranking. Undeterred, he continued his commitment to representing his country.
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At 18, Sunil Chhetri met Sonam Bhattacharya, coach Subrata Bhattacharya's daughter. Their decade-long romance blossomed before they tied the knot, a beautiful tale often overlooked.
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Sunil Chhetri made history joining Kansas City Wizards, becoming the first Indian in Major League Soccer. Praised by coach Peter Vermes for his technical prowess and attacking flair, Chhetri's signing marked a significant milestone.
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Sunil Chhetri led India to triumph in numerous tournaments including the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012), SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021), and AFC Challenge Cup (2008). Since 2021, he's captained the national football team, leaving an indelible mark.
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In 2018, Asian Football Federation honoured Sunil Chhetri as an Asian Icon on his 34th birthday, acknowledging his remarkable feat as the third-highest-scoring player globally, amidst the era of Ronaldo and Messi.
Image Source: Instagram-Sunil-Chhetri
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