Indian maestro Sunil Chhetri, the primary footballer to be honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, on Wednesday mentioned the journey he has traveled within the final 16 years is nothing lower than a dream.
Since his India debut on June 12, 2005, towards Pakistan in Quetta, Chhetri has rewritten the nation’s soccer historical past a number of occasions and has now added one other feather to his cap by being nominated for the nation’s highest sporting award. .
“I’m thrilled, I’m really grateful and honored. I’ve always said it’s a dream I’ve lived through, and it wouldn’t have been possible without my family, teammates and coaches I’ve played under.”
In an AIFF launch, the 36-year-old Indian captain mentioned, “It has been amazing to play for the national team, it has been an excellent journey for so many years, all the matches that have been played.”
Chhetri, India’s biggest footballer because the ‘Golden Era’ of the final century, has performed probably the most worldwide matches and scored probably the most objectives. With 80 strikes in 125 worldwide matches, he’s at the moment tied with Argentine famous person Lionel Messi on many objectives amongst energetic gamers. He is among the few Indian footballers to have received the Padma Shri and has additionally been honored with the Arjuna Award. He is the primary footballer to win the Khel Ratna, the nation’s highest sports activities award.
Chhetri was on Tuesday included among the many 12 sportspersons who can be honored with the 2021 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on November 13. When requested about his position fashions in his life, Chhetri mentioned: “The quantity of encouragement and inspiration round us is immense. Well, we simply must hold watching. It takes an urge for food to attempt to study extra, and you will find out from so many individuals. “
“There are many individuals who got here out to assist folks in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, be it financially or on the bottom. He risked his life and gave his every part. These persons are extraordinary! So if somebody is on the lookout for inspiration, it is round, and if it’s important to discover it, you’ll find it wherever.”
He is just not but prepared to debate the exceptional figures of his illustrious profession spanning 16 years, including that he needs to concentrate on enjoying for the nation and scoring objectives.
“I am just happy that I got a chance to score for my country. That’s about it! To see my name on the big screen, even for just five seconds, and to know that I have contributed in some way to my country is all I need,” mentioned Chhetri .
“Once I’m done with that, we can pick a goal and cherish that moment and talk about it. Once my stomach is done with eating too much, then we go to it.” Will discuss.”
All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel lauded Chhetri for receiving the Khel Ratna. “Congratulations! No one deserves it greater than Sunil. He has been the flag bearer and position mannequin of Indian soccer, having received many awards for his nation and all his golf equipment through the years.
“I wish them all the best in their future endeavours, and look forward together to lead us to unprecedented glory in the near future,” Patel mentioned.
AIFF basic secretary Kushal Das additionally congratulated Chhetri. “Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the pinnacle of all sports awards in the country and Sunil deserves this award. He is a living legend, and the icon that all fans look up to.
“I wish him the very best for his professional and personal life. You have been the true flag bearer of Indian football,” Das mentioned.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
