Football

You guys were special: Sunil Chhetri’s heartfelt message to fans after India’s SAFF C’ship win

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.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024