India’s captain Sunil Chhetri gave his gratitude to the fans, who turned up in huge numbers after the Blue Tigers defeated Kuwait in the final of the SAFF Championship. The hosts won by 5-4 on penalties to win their ninth SAFF Championship title at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Tuesday night.
Chhetri, who has always urged the fans to come and support them in the stadium, made a fantastic start to the tournament when he scored a hat-trick in the opening match’s 4-0 win against arch-rivals Pakistan.
The veteran then also scored a goal in 2-0 win against Nepal in the team’s second group-stage match. The home team then played a goalless draw against Lebanon.
Subsequently, the Blue Tigers defeated Lebanon in the penalty shootout in the semifinal and they were able to get over the line in the final against Kuwait.
Meanwhile, the crowd support was amazing for the home team and the players were able to deliver after they received backing from the home crowd. In fact, chants of ‘Vande Matram’ reverberated at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru during India’s fixtures and it was emotional for all the players.
“Bangalore, you guys were special man. Generally, I say this all the time and sometimes I’m biased, but Pritam (Kotal) da, Subashish (Bose), Rahul Bheke, Anirudh Thapa, Nikhil Poojary, Anwar (Ali), Akash (Mishra), they all came and they all spoke to me about this, that they felt something different this time in Bangalore. You guys were outstanding,” Chhetri stated.
In fact, the veteran admitted India’s wins against Lebanon and Kuwait wouldn’t have been possible without the constant support of the fans.
“The West Block (Blues). The East upper and lower, the North Stand, and even the South Stand. Special mention to the traveling Manjapadda, the Mariners, the Northeast (Highlander) Brigade, the East Bengal Ultras, and a few of them I’m unable to recall right now, but all of you coming together and supporting us the way you did, was amazing. And let me tell you a small secret, the games against Lebanon and Kuwait weren’t easy and if you weren’t there, we wouldn’t have got this (points to the trophy),” he stated.
“I’m just telling you facts. I’m not trying to praise you, I’m not trying to be modest. I’m just telling you a fact. If you guys weren’t there and if not for the way you guys came and supported us, this wouldn’t be there. Throughout this year, right from when we played (the Tri-Nation Friendly Tournament) at Manipur with the national team to (the Hero Intercontinental Cup in) Odisha and now in Bangalore, the whole nation, everywhere we went, you guys were special,” Chhetri further said.
India will next take part in the AFC Asian Cup in 2024.
