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Tag: Sunil Chhetri

  • Asian Video games 2023: AIFF prone to ship Sunil Chhetri-led senior soccer group if Ministry provides clearance

    Via Press Believe of India: The AIFF is bullish on sending its first group to Asian Video games led via its talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri if it is in a position to get the fairway gentle from the sports activities ministry for participation is the continental showpiece beginning September 23 in Hangzhou.

    The nationwide soccer group, which failed to get permission to take part all over the Jakarta Video games in 2018, is these days ranked 18th in Asia and the sports activities ministry’s rule states that during a group game, handiest the ones in most sensible 8 gets the nod.

    The nationwide group beneath Croatian trainer Igor Stimac has entered the sub-100 membership within the FIFA ratings as soon as once more, having gained SAFF championship the place it performed in opposition to Lebanon and Kuwait.

    “The present nationwide group has seven U-23 first group avid gamers and because 3 over-age avid gamers are allowed, skipper Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and defender Sandesh Jhingan are all set to head for the Asian Video games in the event that they group will get permission,” a supply aware of the advance instructed PTI.

    If truth be told, the AIFF has ready an inventory of fifty under-23 avid gamers and forwarded it to the respective golf equipment. The speculation, the assets mentioned, is to lift some other pool of beneath 23 avid gamers, who might be used for the AFC under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the King’s Cup in Thailand.

  • Center of attention on attackers as India face Kuwait in SAFF C’send ultimate

    At the uncommon instance Sunil Chhetri didn’t rating, India, too, drew a clean. It isn’t a brand new tale in Indian soccer however because the nationwide group continues to journey at the again of robust defensive presentations, the hosts will hope that different attackers will upward thrust to the instance when India tackle Kuwait within the ultimate of the South Asian Championship in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

    Chhetri, at 38, continues to steer India from the entrance. The captain has scored 5 out of the seven targets India have controlled thus far within the pageant, together with the first-half strike when India confronted Kuwait within the workforce degree. Udanta Singh and Naorem Mahesh are the 2 different avid gamers who’ve were given their identify at the rating sheet however India know they’ll want extra goal-scoring avenues in the event that they need to prolong their unbeaten run at house and raise the regional identify for the 9th time.

    India ?? & Kuwait ?? equipment up for fight royale ⚔️?

    Each groups met within the workforce degree, generating an exhilarating however anticlimactic 1-1 draw from the #BlueTigers’ ? perspective.

    Learn extra ?? https://t.co/1c8uaUgfAM#SAFFChampionship2023 ? #KUWIND #IndianFootball ⚽️ percent.twitter.com/p40qqbHbZj

    — Indian Soccer Crew (@IndianFootball) July 3, 2023

    India were miserly in defence throughout the match, conceding only one target in 4 fits, and the defence will probably be additional reinforced by way of the go back of Sandesh Jhingan, who was once suspended for the semifinal towards Kuwait on Saturday.

    Defensively, India didn’t pass over him a lot and whilst the again line will face considered one of its hardest checks thus far, the point of interest will probably be at the strikers, who lacked sharpness within the few alternatives they created towards Lebanon within the semifinals.

    The #BlueTigers went proper again to paintings the day after successful an intense semifinal ???️

    Trainer @stimac_igor talks concerning the efficiency towards ?? and what to anticipate from the #SAFFChampionship2023 FINAL towards ?????#BlueTigers ? #IndianFootball ⚽️ percent.twitter.com/WOxFHKr80I

    — Indian Soccer Crew (@IndianFootball) July 3, 2023

    India may also agonize over Chhetri’s availability for all of the fit after he performed the total 120 mins within the semifinals and left the sphere taking a look in slight discomfort. Assistant trainer Mahesh Gawli, alternatively, allayed any issues over Chhetri’s health.

    India vs Kuwait, Survive DD Sports activities and Fancode, 7.30pm onwards

  • SAFF Cup: India draw Kuwait 1-1 in unwell tempered sport, trainer Stimac recieves crimson card

    By way of India These days Sports activities Table: India had been held 1-1 within the ultimate team level fit of the SAFF Cup on Tuesday on the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore. An ill-temepered sport noticed 3 crimson playing cards, out of which two had been proven to avid gamers from every crew and the opposite one used to be given to India head trainer Igor Stimac. India got the lead overdue within the first part by way of a very good facet volley by way of captain Sunil Chhetri, however conceded overdue within the stoppage time of the sport.

    A low move from the suitable facet of the sphere deflected off defender Anwar Ali within the added time of the second one part spoiled the house facet’s march. This used to be additionally the primary function India conceded in 9 fits. The outcome supposed that India and Kuwait ended up on seven issues however the latter crowned Staff A on a greater function reasonable.

    India will play Lebanon within the semifinal whilst Kuwait will tackle both Bangladesh or Maldives. Lebanon are ranked forward of India in FIFA ratings and lately stand in 99tth place.

    India did neatly to organise their assaults in the course of the wings. The Blue Tigers just about went forward within the 6th minute however Chhetri failed to connect to a move from Akash Mishra by way of a whisker. Kuwait too had their very own likelihood when Shadab Al Khaldi’s ripper of a shot from simply out of doors the field went inches over the bar within the twentieth minute.

    However, slowly however definitely, India snatched the keep watch over of the fit and so they can have netted the primary function within the thirty fifth minute however Anwar Ali’s header off an Anirudh Thapa nook lacked the required route.

    India’s continual tries bore fruit within the damage time. Thapa took a fairly low flag kick from the suitable facet and Chhetri effected a stylish, tumbling volley to overcome Kuwait goalkeeper Abdul Rahman, whose determined dive went in useless.

    It used to be Chhetri’s 5th function of this match from 3 fits and total twenty fourth function in 26 SAFF championship fits.

    Armed with a 1-0 lead, India went forward in complete steam in the second one part however noticed their head trainer Igor Stimac being despatched off with a crimson card, 2nd time on this match.

    Stimac who were into arguments with Kuwait avid gamers and the fourth legitimate earlier than within the sport, engaged in an animated argument after Sahal Abdul Samad used to be shoved in the second one part. Samad, who had nearly struck a Kuwait participant with a top boot used to be shoved by way of Hamad Al Qallaf which started the meltdown between the 2 groups.

    India ahead Rahim Ali got here to offer protection to Samad and gave a difficult push to Qallaf who used to be thrown into the grounnd. The Croatian copped a crimson card from the incident after he used to be previous given marching orders within the fit towards Pakistan for interrupting their participant from taking a throw-in.

    India will hope to regroup after a unsatisfactory finish to the fit and installed aa just right display towards Lebanon on July 1.

  • Captain Sunil Chhetri leads India to Intercontinental Cup name triumph

    Captain Sunil Chhetri, as is his wont, rose to the instance along with his 87th global purpose as India gained the Intercontinental Cup with a 2-0 victory over Lebanon within the ultimate right here on Sunday.

    Lallianzuala Chhangte struck the night’s different purpose to cap an excellent show.

    That is India’s 2d name triumph within the event, following their win within the inaugural version in 2018. Korea gained in 2019.

    Within the closing leg of his profession, the 38-year-old Chhetri discovered the again of the web within the forty sixth minute of the name conflict, breaking the impasse proper after play resumed after a goalless first 1/2.

    Buoyed by way of the lead and sponsored by way of a near-capacity crowd on the Kalinga Stadium, India consolidated their place when Lallianzuala Chhangte, the supplier of the primary purpose, discovered the objective within the 66th minute, leaving the fanatics extremely joyful and their 99-ranked fighters surprised.

    In scorching and humid stipulations, each the groups had their fair proportion of possibilities within the first 1/2 however may just now not employ them, identical to the goalless stalemate they performed out in an inconsequential fit two days in the past.

    And whilst India had extra ownership of the ball — just about 58 % — the Lebanese had seven pictures at purpose as in comparison to 3 by way of the house workforce which once more looked to be missing in concepts within the opponent’s ultimate 3rd.

    Alternatively, all that modified after the half-time smash.

    First a charging Chhangte surged into the field and reduce it again for Chhetri, who evenly tapped the ball in previous the Lebanese goalkeeper Ali Sabeh from shut for the opener. The purpose was once a results of a very good build-up as Nikhil Poojary controlled to slide within the ball thru little area to Chhangte who then laid it for his inspirational skipper.

    Their tails up after the opener, the Indians appeared to press house the benefit they usually wre rewarded with a 2d purpose thru Chhangte.

    Having gained a ball from Chhetri, exchange Naorem Mahesh Singh tried to position it previous the Lebanese custodian, who stored it however may just now not stay the ball with him. Off the rebound, Chhangte transformed to double India’s lead.

    Previous, the Blue Tigers began on a good word and had been searching for targets however may just now not convert the few possibilities that got here their manner.

    At the 6th minute, Ashique Kuruniyan was once introduced down within the Lebanese field and the house workforce straight away appealed for a penalty however the referee was once now not , leaving even India head trainer Igor Stimac livid.

    India discovered themselves in a place when Lebanon attempted to hit at the counter, however Ashique dedicated a nasty, took a yellow card for the workforce’s sake, and averted the guests from charging against the India purpose.

    In scorching and humid stipulations, the groups wanted two cooling breaks.

  • Sunil Chhetri says he’s fossilized and there will not be precise alternative for him in nationwide workforce

    By way of India Nowadays Sports activities Table: India captain Sunil Chhetri on Saturday mentioned that he’s “fossilized” and India won’t to find a precise alternative for him, however insisted that the nationwide workforce has “worthy” successors.

    Chettri is solely two years wanting finishing twenty years in global soccer. The 38-year-old made his global debut in 2005 and because then he has damaged a number of information, together with changing into essentially the most capped India participant (133 suits) and scoring maximum global targets (85) for the rustic, which is 3rd amongst lively footballers on the planet.

    As quoted by way of PTI, Chettri mentioned that he feels fossilized and the nationwide workforce won’t have a precise alternative for him. Alternatively, the India captain insisted that there are lots of gamers within the nationwide workforce who may do higher than him.

    “I’m fossilized. I’ve performed for a very long time, this is why you won’t have the ability to to find the precise alternative (of me) however there are lots of gamers (within the workforce) who will do smartly, if now not higher than me,” Chhetri mentioned when requested if the rustic has were given his alternative.

    “Chances are you’ll now not see a right away successor of me at the moment. It’s not that i am within the age bracket as the opposite senior gamers (in nationwide workforce),” he mentioned all through a digital interplay forward of the four-team Intercontinental Cup which India is webhosting in Bhubaneswar from June 9-18.

    Chheri took names of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Amrinder Singh, Rahul and Rowlin Borges as possible leaders after him. The 38-year-old mentioned that each one 5 of them can take price of the workforce after him.

    “(They’re) other form of leaders, they all doing smartly, are probably captains in their golf equipment.”

    “You won’t to find almost definitely the similarity between the type of individual or participant I’m to them, however they’re undoubtedly worthy leaders. All of the 5 names can take price,” mentioned Chhetri.

  • Sunil Chhetri reacts to Kerala Blasters stroll off: ‘Have by no means noticed this in my 22-year occupation’

    After Kerala Blasters FC made up our minds to stroll off the pitch and forfeit their ISL play-off conflict towards Bengaluru FC in  protest towards a contentious Sunil Chhetri free-kick, the ahead stated he had by no means noticed the rest find it irresistible in his lengthy occupation.

    “I’ve by no means noticed this in my 22-year occupation. This isn’t tips on how to do it,” Chhetri instructed the legitimate broadcasters when requested about Kerala’s forfeit. 

    The debatable second came about when Chhetri took a snappy freekick within the 97th minute after the sport had long past into overtime. The ball sailed into the purpose. When the referee awarded it as an legit strive, Kerala gamers had been incensed. They protested that they weren’t able and had no longer heard the referee’s whistle. Serbian trainer Ivan Vukomanovic known as again his gamers

    Bengaluru FC and Kerala were deadlocked 0-0 after 90 mins on the Kanteerava Stadium. 

    “I at all times ask the referee (if I will take a free-kick) as a result of if he does no longer permit, it wouldn’t occur. It was once a bitter-sweet second. First, we idea if the fit would occur or no longer. However I’m satisfied that we’re via to the semi-finals. Can’t wait to tackle Mumbai,” the India stalwart added. “The referee requested me if I sought after the wall or the whistle. They at all times do it. I stated that I don’t need the whistle in addition to the wall,” Chhetri instructed Superstar Sports activities after the fit.

    Bengaluru will now face Mumbai Town FC, who’re League Protect winners, in a two-legged semi-final on March 7 and 12.

  • Indian soccer returns to discipline with conflict in opposition to Singapore

    After months of federation politics, allegations and counter-allegations, uncertainty over the way forward for the manager trainer and the danger of being a world pariah, the Indian soccer workforce will go back to motion on Saturday once they tackle Singapore in a three-nation pleasant event in Ho Chi Minh Town.

    Since Might, the point of interest in Indian soccer has in large part been on off-field affairs given the goings-on inside the All India Soccer Federation. However with a brand new frame now in position, and the technical committee extending the contract of trainer Igor Stimac till the tip of the Asian Cup, India can after all get started its preparation for subsequent yr’s continental championship.

    However it starts in a far-from-ideal scenario. Despite the fact that many of the avid gamers have had a right kind pre-season with their golf equipment, India cross into the fit in opposition to Singapore moderately under-cooked, having had only one complete coaching consultation beneath Stimac sooner than heading to Vietnam. So as to add to their issues, defenders Sandesh Jhingan and Chinglensana Singh are not likely to be to be had for variety in opposition to Singapore.

    #BlueTigers ? sweating it out on the coaching consultation ?#BackTheBlue ? #IndianFootball ⚽ %.twitter.com/r9juhIQtwT

    — Indian Soccer Workforce (@IndianFootball) September 23, 2022

    The 2 didn’t accompany the workforce because of commute document-related problems and handiest boarded a three am flight on Friday. Stimac is prone to leisure Jhingan, a key centre-back, on Saturday and get started him in opposition to Vietnam, a workforce that reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup, on Tuesday.

    India final performed Singapore 10 years in the past and even though Stimac was once assured of profitable the sport, he was once wary and underlined the development the South East Asian aspect has made in the previous couple of years.

    “Singapore has made large development lately. They have got a brand new trainer, who has made some adjustments within the gadget that steadily makes issues tricky for the combatants. However I will be able to inform my avid gamers to play optimistically in opposition to them and display what precisely we’ve in retailer for them,” Stimac mentioned.

    1️⃣ day to move ?

    How excited are you to observe our #BlueTigers ? tackle ?? and ?? ❓

    Watch them LIVE ? on @EurosportIN #BackTheBlue ? #IndianFootball ⚽ %.twitter.com/L99iNQ0vce

    — Indian Soccer Workforce (@IndianFootball) September 23, 2022

    Singapore, he added, are just right “particularly within the high- urgent house”, which is usually a drawback for India as Stimac conceded that his workforce’s health in this day and age isn’t as just right as their combatants’.

    “(However) I believe that we’ve got sufficient avid gamers with technical talent who can have the ability to flee from such excessive press, and with many avid gamers within the heart making it tight and hard. However we’re going to in finding areas at the susceptible positions and play as in keeping with our plan,” Stimac mentioned.

    This would be the first time India might be in motion since their a success marketing campaign within the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in June the place they performed 3 suits and completed with one hundred percent win file.

    And whilst Singapore is an opponent India might be anticipated to overcome, their subsequent recreation in opposition to Vietnam will end up to be a difficult affair and display how a lot development the workforce has made in the previous couple of years beneath Stimac.

    Enjoying on Saturday: India vs Singapore, 5.30pm, Survive Eurosport

  • Thankful for friendship now we have skip: Virat Kohli extends birthday needs to ‘true good friend’ Sunil Chhetri

    Sunil Chhetri, broadly thought to be India’s biggest soccer participant, is celebrating his thirty eighth birthday on August 3. He’s India’s main objective scorer in addition to the most-capped participant.

    Sunil Chhetri is India’s main objective scorer. (Courtesy: Reuters)

    HIGHLIGHTSSunil Chhetri is India’s main objective scorer and most-capped playerChhetri was once awarded Khel Ratna Award in 2021 and Padma Shri in 2019Chhetri and Virat Kohli frequently pull each and every different’s legs on social media

    Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli prolonged birthday needs to his “true good friend” nationwide soccer skipper Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday.

    Chhetri, broadly thought to be India’s biggest soccer participant, is celebrating his thirty eighth birthday on August 3.

    “An in truth hardworking guy filled with excellent values & compassion.A person I will be able to name a real good friend. Very thankful for the friendship now we have skip.All the time want you the most productive. As you get a 12 months more youthful I ship you my absolute best needs & the entire positivity your approach. Satisfied birthday @chetrisunil11,” Kohli tweeted.

    An in truth hardworking guy filled with excellent values & compassion.A person I will be able to name a real good friend. Very thankful for the friendship now we have skip.All the time want you the most productive. As you get a 12 months more youthful I ship you my absolute best needs & the entire positivity your approach. Satisfied birthday @chetrisunil11

    — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 3, 2022

    Kohli and Chhetri percentage an excellent friendship as they maintain on pulling each and every others’ legs on social media. Lately, Chhetri’s respond to Kohli went viral. Chhetri shared a video on Instagram, claiming that the children within the workforce could not beat him regardless of being previous. The put up attracted an quick response from Kohli, who referred to as Chhetri a “legend”. The nationwide soccer captain added: “Sab broccoli aur palak ka khel hai. Woh adrak ka swad ke baare mein kya kehte hai? Cheers, champ.”

    Chhetri and Kohli have up to now additionally exchanged hilarious feedback on social media. In Might 2021, when Kohli shared his crossbar problem video, Chhetri reacted to the video searching for a training price for the learning consultation given by means of him to the cricketer. Kohli, who is understood for his sportsmanship at the box, took the remark in his stride and added “Aap Mauj lelo poori (You pull my legs)”.

    Chhetri is India’s main objective scorer in addition to the most-capped participant. He was once bestowed with India’s best wearing honour, Khel Ratna Award in 2021, Padma Shri in 2019 and the Arjuna Award in 2011. Chhetri may be the primary Indian participant to have performed in 3 other continents. He additionally has netted essentially the most hat-tricks for India.

    — ENDS —

  • AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India placed on a display to overcome Hong Kong 4-0

    Igor Stimac’s facet introduced out its A-game on a stormy night time and began off with a blitz as Anwar (2d) and Chhetri (45′) gave India a 2-0 lead.

    It used to be then a story of tremendous subs as Manvir (eighty fifth) and Pandita (90+third) got here off the bench to finish the rout and assist India (9 issues) height workforce D with 3 wins at the trot, forward of Hong Kong (six).

    The Blue Tigers raced to a 1-0 lead with the 21-year-old center-back Anwar scoring his maiden world target 4 years after his profession just about ended on well being grounds.

    The 2017 Beneath-17 Global Cup big name, whose profession have been placed on cling after being recognized with uncommon center illness (Hypertrophic Myocardiopathy), scored from a brief Ashique Kuruniyan nook along with his right-footed strike into the end nook.

    And that’s the reason a wrap for this night #INDHKG #ACQ2023 #BackTheBlue #BlueTigers #IndianFootball %.twitter.com/SxK6JzEYfA

    — Indian Soccer Group (@IndianFootball) June 14, 2022

    The flexible defender, enjoying along Sandesh Jhingan, now not best made his presence felt within the backline but additionally made some fluid strikes in advance.

    The talismanic Chhetri doubled the lead simply earlier than the damage with a 30-yard freekick to carry up his fourth target of the event.

    Jeakson Singh floated in a super freekick because the skipper managed it brilliantly with a deft first contact earlier than frivolously slotting it house to notch the 84th world strike that noticed him cross stage with Hungarian nice Ferenc Puska within the chart for the best-ever main world scorers.

    He additionally entered the top-five world goal-scorers checklist.

    The Indian icon is solely two targets at the back of Argentine famous person Lionel Messi some of the energetic participant’s checklist led by means of Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (117).

    Past due into the second one part, it used to be Brandon Fernandes who initiated the transfer from the fitting and performed a snappy 1-2 with Roshan Singh earlier than Manvir discovered the objective.

    On music, India attacked the counter and a move from the fitting from Manvir used to be transformed by means of Pandita.

    Greater than 8 hours earlier than their face-off, each groups showed the Asian Cup Finals berth, courtesy of Palestine’s 4-0 win over the Philippines, who had been eradicated after completing because the worst runners-up of the six teams.

    Enjoying with none force, Stimac’s facet made two daring adjustments by means of bringing in Sahal Abdul Samad and Udanta Singh into the beginning XI instead of Liston Colaco and Manvir.

  • India qualify for Asian Cup 2023 Finals for 2d successive time ahead of ultimate qualifier towards Hong Kong

    Sunil Chhetri’s males have certified for the AFC Asian Cup Finals for the second one successive time. India booked their berth even ahead of the overall qualifying fit on Tuesday towards Hong Kong.

    India qualify for Asian Cup 2023 Finals for 2d successive time (PTI Photograph)

    HIGHLIGHTSIndia certified for AFC Asian Cup Finals for the fifth time in historyThe Asian Cup 2023 might be held in June-July subsequent yearIndia will play Hong Kong of their ultimate qualifier on Tuesday

    India certified for the 2023 Asian Cup Finals even ahead of their ultimate qualifying fit in Team D of the third-round level on Tuesday, June 17. India are set to stand Hong Kong of their ultimate qualifier in Kolkata. That is the 5th time within the historical past of the continental pageant India have certified for the Finals.

    India have been on the 2d spot in Team D, tied on 6 issues with table-toppers Hong Kong. They’ve certified for the finals in spite of being within the 2d spot as 5 of the 6 best possible second-placed groups within the third-round qualifying have been confident of berths for subsequent 12 months’s continental tournament.

    India’s qualification used to be showed after Palestine defeated the Philippines in a Team B fit previous on Tuesday.

    HERE WE COME

    As Palestine defeat Philippines in Team , the #BlueTigers have now secured back-to-back {qualifications} for the @afcasiancup #ACQ2023 #BackTheBlue #IndianFootball %.twitter.com/3aNjymWLSm

    — Indian Soccer Crew (@IndianFootball) June 14, 2022

    India defeated Cambodia 2-0 of their first qualifying fit in Kolkata closing week ahead of beating Afghanistan 2-1 in a mystery. Captain Sunil Chhetri has been in wonderful shape as he has netted 3 of the 4 targets India have scored up to now. Chhetri broke the impasse within the 84th minute towards Afghanistan with a shocking free-kick.

    Particularly, Sunil Chhetri had stressed out that qualifying for the Asian Cup Finals must be the naked minimal for India if they’re to persistently compete with the most efficient in Asia and fortify frequently.

    “We already spoke about it, the naked minimal goal for us to qualify for the Asia Cup in order that we will pass and rub our shoulders with the most efficient in Asia. I feel I am not seeking to be too harsh on ourselves, however we wish to be enjoying Asia Cup each version in order that we will assess how a lot we are bettering and likewise get a chance to play the most efficient of Asian groups.” Chettri instructed Famous person Sports activities after starring in India’s win over Afghanistan.

    China used to be scheduled to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2023 throughout 10 towns from June 16 to July 16 however the nation gave up the website hosting rights because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The AFC stated it’s going to announce the brand new hosts within the coming months.

    With fanatics turning up in massive numbers on the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India might be decided to complete their qualifying marketing campaign with a win over Hong Kong and the highest spot in Team D.