Sunil Chhetri: The Journey of India’s Football Maestro
Sunil Chhetri is a renowned Indian professional footballer and the current captain of the Indian national football team. Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, Telangana, he is considered one of the greatest football players in Indian history. In this article, we take a closer look at Sunil Chhetri’s early life, education, family, professional life, and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Sunil Chhetri was born and raised in Secunderabad, Telangana. His father served in the Indian Army, requiring the family to move frequently. As a result, Chhetri spent his childhood in different cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. He developed a keen interest in football at a young age and began playing football during his school days.
Early Life and Education:
- Full Name: Sunil Chhetri
- Date of Birth: August 3, 1984
- Place of Birth: Secunderabad, Telangana
- Nationality: Indian
- Height: 1.70 m
- Blood Type: O+
- Primary School: Multiple due to frequent moves
- Secondary School: Army Public School, New Delhi
- Higher Education: Pursued football professionally
Professional Career
Chhetri began his professional football journey with Mohun Bagan in 2002. He scored four goals in his first season, while in the next season, he scored only two goals. After that, he joined JCT for the 2005–06 season, where he scored three goals. In 2010, he signed for Major League Soccer side, Kansas City Wizards, becoming the third player from the subcontinent to go abroad. He later played for Chirag United and Mohun Bagan before going back abroad to play for Sporting CP of the Primeira Liga, where he played for the club’s reserve side.
Chhetri has been part of the Indian national team since 2005 and has been a crucial player in their success. He has won the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, as well as the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, and 2021. He helped India win the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which qualified them for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years, scoring twice in the final tournament in 2011.
Professional Career:
- Mohun Bagan (2002-2005): 6 Goals
- JCT (2005-2008): 21 Goals
- Kansas City Wizards (2010): 0 Goals
- Chirag United (2011): 7 Goals
- Sporting CP B (2012-2013): 0 Goals
- Bengaluru FC (2013-Present): 51 Goals
Personal Life and Family
Chhetri is a private person when it comes to his personal life. He is married to Sonam Bhattacharya, who is the daughter of Indian former footballer Subrata Bhattacharya. The couple got married in 2017 in Kolkata. Chhetri’s mother, Sushila Chhetri, is Nepalese and a former athlete who competed in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
Personal Life and Family:
- Spouse: Sonam Bhattacharya
- Marriage Date: 2017
- Mother: Sushila Chhetri
- Father: KB Chhetri
- Siblings: None
- Hobbies: Reading, Traveling
- Pets: Dog named Simba
Awards and Achievements
Chhetri has received many awards for his outstanding performances on the field. In 2011, he was awarded the Arjuna Award for his exceptional sporting achievements. In 2019, he was conferred with the Padma Shri award, India’s fourth highest civilian award, and in 2021, he received the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. Chhetri is the first footballer to receive the award. He has been named AIFF Player of the Year a record seven times in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, and 2021–22.
Awards and Achievements:
- Arjuna Award: 2011
- Padma Shri: 2019
- Khel Ratna Award: 2021
- AIFF Player of the Year: 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19, 2021–22
Legacy and Impact
Sunil Chhetri is a football legend in India, and his contribution to Indian football is immense. His incredible leadership, goal-scoring abilities, and link-up play have made him a fan favorite. Chhetri’s passion for the game and his dedication to the Indian national team has inspired many young footballers in the country. His awards and achievements are a testament to his excellence on the field, and he continues to inspire and motivate many to follow in his footsteps.
Latest News About Sunil Chhetri
Indian Football Star Sunil Chhetri Climbs the Goal-scoring Ranks, Earns Global Recognition
Sunil Chhetri, the revered veteran of Indian football, has reached a new milestone in his illustrious career. With his recent goal-scoring spree, Chhetri has secured the third spot among current players with the most goals, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Chhetri’s impressive record boasts 93 goals from 142 matches, a remarkable achievement for the 38-year-old striker. It is a source of immense pride for India, a nation known for its cricket craze, to have one of its own players mentioned alongside football legends like Ferenc Puskas and Robert Lewandowski. Despite India’s football struggles on the global stage, Chhetri’s dedication and leadership have guided the national team to victories in the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship. While the dream of World Cup qualification remains elusive, Chhetri’s accomplishments inspire hope and admiration for the future of Indian football.
FAQs
- What is Sunil Chhetri’s date of birth?
- August 3, 1984.
- Who is Sunil Chhetri married to?
- Sonam Bhattacharya.
- Which clubs has Sunil Chhetri played for?
- Mohun Bagan, JCT, Kansas City Wizards, Chirag United, Sporting CP B, Bengaluru FC.
- What major awards has Sunil Chhetri received?
- Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Award, AIFF Player of the Year.
- How many goals has Sunil Chhetri scored for the Indian national team?
- 93 goals from 142 matches.
For a comprehensive look at Sunil Chhetri’s incredible career and contributions to football, visit lifesketches.in. His legacy as one of India’s greatest footballers continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport in the country.