It was an emotional evening at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as Sunil Chhetri-led Team India took on Kuwait in Kolkata on Thursday (June 6) with the match being the Indian captain's final outing in Indian colours.
Although it wasn't the result that India wanted with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers ending in a goalless draw and even Chhetri failing to add to his goal-scoring tally, players and fans failed to hold back their tears he bid adieu to the game.
Moments after he played his final match for Team India, Chhetri received a standing ovation from a packed stadium. He then took a lap of honour, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Post that Chhetri was given a guard of honour by his fellow Indian teammates.
Not only Chhetri but even his parents and wife who were present at the stadium were seen in tears. Fans too visibly emotional as India's most prolifica goal-scorer hung up his boots with 94 goals to his name
Take a look at the viral video here:
Sunil Chhetri's Massive Shoes To Fill
What Chhetri's experience meant for India on the playing pitch can be gauged from the fact that the second-highest goal scorer among the current crop of players in the Indian squad and the highest now with Chhetri done and dusted is Lallianzuala Chhangte who has 7 goals to his credit.
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Post Chhetri's retirement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was among the first ones to congratulate the Indian football veteran on a stellar career.