On June 12, 2005, a 20-year-old striker made his international football debut for the Blue Tigers in Quetta, Pakistan. Now, after nineteen years, 145 international matches, and 93 goals, 39-year-old Sunil Chhetri undergoes a daily transformation with the Blue Tigers in preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Doha, Qatar. When Chhetri steps onto the pitch, he reverts to the mindset of an 18-year-old playing for the love of the beautiful game.
“That’s the style I want to adopt in whatever time I have left with the National Team,” expressed Chhetri. A conversation with his wife about the Asian Cup and the World Cup Qualifiers against Afghanistan revealed that he was burdening himself with unnecessary pressure. Her advice was simple: “Just go out there and enjoy.”
Sunil Chhetri: "Without disrespecting the SAFF Cup, we have won it. But where we want to reach, we will not reach if we keep playing SAFF nations." @RevSportz #IndianFootball #SFtbl pic.twitter.com/fioZizkh7d
— Sevens Football (@sevensftbl) January 9, 2024
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Chhetri stressed the importance of finding joy in the game, emphasizing that football starts with love. Despite the noise, expectations, victories, and losses, he believes the essence of football should not be forgotten.
In Doha for just over a week, the Blue Tigers are preparing for the AFC Asian Cup, where they find themselves in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria.
As Chhetri gears up for his third AFC Asian Cup, he sees it as a monumental tournament where India can measure themselves against the best in Asia. Reflecting on the team’s improvement in the last seven-eight years, he emphasized the significance of facing teams like Australia and Uzbekistan to gauge India’s progress.
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup holds special significance for Chhetri as he enters it as a father. Although it hasn’t altered his football perspective, fatherhood has brought him more happiness, tranquility, and a different responsibility and purpose. Chhetri expressed gratitude for his wife’s support, enabling him to pursue his passion for football.
“I’m so fortunate that my wife is handling most responsibilities, allowing me to train, play, and get my eight hours of sleep,” shared the Blue Tigers captain. Fatherhood has instilled a sense of calmness, cleanliness, and overall happiness in Chhetri’s life.
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