Sports fraternity wishes Sunil Chhetri after he plays his last match for India

Kolkata, June 7 (HS). After Sunil Chhetri's last match for India in the World Cup qualification match on Thursday, the Indian sports fraternity has wished him all the best for his illustrious career and future.

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant heaped praise on the Blue Tigers skipper, saying he is a true legend of the game.

Chhetri began his professional football journey at Mohun Bagan in 2002. Chhetri helped India win the 2007, 2009 and 2012 Nehru Cup, as well as the 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023 SAFF Championships. He also led India to victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which helped India qualify for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.

After the 39-year-old Chhetri played his last match for the Blue Tigers, Rishabh Pant took to his official X account to wish him the best. “A true legend of the game! Wishing you all the best Sunil Chhetri bhai,” Pant wrote on X.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said Chhetri kept the Indian flag flying high and also congratulated the 39-year-old for his illustrious career.

“No goal is easy to achieve. Let alone 94 international goals. You have kept the flag flying high Sunil Chhetri. Congratulations on a wonderful career,” Tendulkar wrote on Instagram.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) said Sunil Chhetri has been an inspiration for the country and has left behind an unforgettable legacy.

“19 years. 94 goals. 151 matches. Thank you Sunil Chhetri for inspiring the nation and leaving an unforgettable legacy on the field. It was an honour to host your final match in Kolkata. You will always be our hero! Best wishes for an incredible career,” KKR posted on Twitter.

Talking about the match against Kuwait, the Blue Tigers created several chances in the first half of the game but failed to score to secure a win in captain Sunil Chhetri's last international match.

Meanwhile, in the second half, the Kuwait team made a comeback in the game but Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was successful in stopping them by standing under the goalpost.

In the second half, Indian captain Sunil Chhetri came close to giving India the lead with a header but he failed. Despite creating many chances, the Blue Tigers failed to score and Sunil Chhetri's farewell match ended in a goalless draw.