It was just past 2 pm at the Kolkata airport, when a 14-year-old boy approached me and asked, “When are they landing?” Sensing his excitement about the Indian football team, I replied that they were expected to land at around 2 pm but might be delayed for some reason. Curiously, I asked if there was anyone besides Sunil Chhetri that he was eager to watch.
The boy answered, “Chhetri, Subhasish, and Rahul Bheke as well.” He hadn’t managed to get a ticket for the World Cup Qualifiers fixture between India and Kuwait on June 6th, which would also be Chhetri’s farewell match, so he had come to the airport to catch a glimpse of his heroes.
#BreakingNews @chetrisunil11 and co. has arrived in Kolkata for the big match versus Kuwait on 6th June!
IFA Secretary, Anirban Dutta was present to receive the team.@Rahul_01Giri reports.@ThumsUpOfficial @IndianFootball #INDvsKUW #FIFAWorldCupQualifiers pic.twitter.com/WuujJmj4VF
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) May 29, 2024
After a 40-minute wait, the boy’s wish came true as the Indian football team emerged from the terminal. Leading the way were Igor Stimac and Chhetri, followed by the rest of the squad. The Local Organizing Committee had made special arrangements for the Blue Tigers’ arrival, showering rose petals on the players before they boarded the bus.
The team was greeted with a warm reception, featuring the vibrant beats of traditional Dhak drums and a large poster displaying all the current squad members. A special poster was dedicated to Chhetri, with the words “Salute, Chhetri,” marking his farewell match.
Despite being in a hurry to get inside the bus, Sunil Chhetri won hearts as he stepped off his seat to wave at the fans. Though the crowd was modest, with only about 100-150 people present, the scene on 6th June is expected to be entirely different. Tickets for the high-voltage clash are selling like hotcakes. BookMyShow released the tickets in two phases, both selling out within half an hour.
“We are planning to give out Chhetri masks to fans on 6th June, and we’re arranging to shower flower petals by drone. We’re also planning a felicitation ceremony for Sunil,” said IFA Secretary Anirban Dutta, shedding light on the grand plans for Chhetri’s farewell game against Kuwait after giving a warm reception to Igor Stimac and his team at the Kolkata airport.
Also Read: Our friendship will stand the test of life: Subrata Paul on his bond with Sunil Chhetri