New Delhi: The first pesakbola was awarded the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, India Maestro Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday said the journey he had passed in the last 16 years did not lack a dream.
Since his Indian debut on June 12, 2005 against Pakistan in Quetta, Chhetri has rewrote the history of the country’s football many times and he has now added other feathers in his lid named for the country’s highest sports award.
“I’m happy, I’m really grateful and respected.
I always say that it is a dream that I have passed, and it won’t happen without family, teammates, and coaches that I have played,” Chhetri said.
“It’s amazing to play for the national team, for years, for the number of matches, it has become an extraordinary journey,” said the 36-year-old Indian captain in the AIFF release.
It can be debated the largest footballer in India after the last century ‘gold era’, Chhetri has played most international matches and scored the most goals.
With 80 strikes from 125 international matches, he was currently tied with Superstar Superstar Argentina on the number of goals among active players.
He is one of the few Indian footballers who have won Padma Shri and has also been given to Arjuna Award.
He was the first soccer player to win Khel Ratna, the highest sports award in the country.
Chhetri on Tuesday is called the 12 sportsmen who will be given with the main award of Dhyan Khel Khel Ratna for 2021, on November 13.
Asked about the role model in his life, Chhetri said: “The amount of encouragement and inspiration around us a lot, we just have to keep looking.
Hunger trying to learn more needed, and you will look for so many people.” “There are many people who come out to help people People during the Covid-19 pandemic, both financially or in the field.
They put their lives in danger and provide everything.
These people are extraordinary! So, if someone is looking for inspiration, it’s around, and if you need to find it , You can look for it anywhere.
“He was not ready to discuss extraordinary statistics for 16 years of famous career, said he wanted to focus on playing and scoring for the country.
“I’m glad I got the chance to score for my country.
That’s about it! To see my name on the big screen, even for only five seconds, and to find out that I have just contributed in several ways for my country, and.
It’s just that What I need, “said Chhetri.
“Once I finished anytime, we can choose a goal and appreciate the moment and talk about it.
Once I have a big stomach with lots of food, we will talk about it.” All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) Pressur President Patel praised Chhetri to get Khel Ratna.
“Congratulations! No one deserves to get it more than Sunil.
He has been a flag bearer and role model for Indian football, after winning so many victories for his country and all his clubs for years.” I hope the best for him.
Efforts in the future, and hope together to him who lead us for unprecedented glory in the near future, “Patel said.
Secretary General AIFF Kushal Das also congratulated Chhetri.” The Dhyan Chand Ratna Utama award is the peak of all sports awards in this country and Sunil deserves awards.
He is a living legend, and icons that are seen by all fans.
“I hope the best for him for his professional and personal life.
You have become a real flag carrier for Indian football,” said the watershed.