New Delhi: Sunil Chhetri became the first Indian footballer to be conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, on Saturday. The Indian maestro has credited his longevity at the highest level as the reason for bagging the highest sporting honour of the country.
President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Khel Ratna to India’s captain, who began his professional career in 2002 with the legendary Mohun Bagan club and made his international debut in 2005.
“One of the primary reasons why I got the Khel Ratna Award is because I have been playing for 19 years. I want to thank each one of the masseurs, physios and doctors. You superstars have been the main reason why I could be on the pitch,” said Chhetri.
“There have so many times when I thought I couldn’t, but you guys made it possible for me,” according to statement of him issued by All India Football Federation.
He also acknowledged all of the teams for which he has played, his colleagues from both clubs and the national team, the fans, and his family.
“All these years you have suffered with me, rejoiced with me, you were there at with me at every ups and downs, you dreamt with me — and I very happily share this Award with each and every one of you.”
Chhetri, perhaps India’s greatest footballer since the ‘Golden Era’ of the past century, has played the most international matches and scored the most goals.
With 80 goals from 125 international matches, he is presently tied for the most goals among active players with Argentine sensation Lionel Messi.
He is one of just a handful Indian footballers to have received the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award.
Praful Patel, President of the AIFF, congratulated Chhetri on receiving the Khel Ratna.
“Congratulations! No one deserves it more than Sunil. He has been the flag bearer and a role model for Indian football, having won so many laurels for his country and all his clubs over the years.
“I wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and look forward together to him leading us to unprecedented glories in near future.”
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, “My heartiest congratulations to him. The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is the pinnacle of all sporting awards in the country and Sunil deserves the award.”
“He is a living legend, and the icon whom all fans look up to. I wish him all the best for his professional and personal life. You have been a true flag-bearer for Indian football. “I expect this award to be a motivation to all other Indian footballers, and inspire them to reach higher echelons in their career,” AIFF General Secretary concluded.
