More than 50 passionate fans chanted “Chhetri, Chhetri” as Sunil Chhetri, India’s captain, emerged from his final training session with the national team ahead of their FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6. Despite the security personnel’s best efforts to create a smooth path for Chhetri to the bus, they were overwhelmed by the sheer passion and deep love the fans had for the legend. Supporters eagerly sought his autograph, some holding jerseys, others clutching notepads.
Among the crowd was a young boy, around six or seven years old, named Rudresh. He had waited for two and a half hours with his parents just to get his jersey signed by his idol. When Sunil finally signed his shirt, Rudresh’s face lit up with a heartfelt smile, his dream fulfilled. As with Rudresh, Chhetri tried his best to meet the wishes of many other devoted fans, stepping off the bus twice to sign shirts and pose for selfies. One fan erupted with joy after securing his idol’s autograph, as if he had passed a tough examination.
Scores of faithful supporters stood in the ticket line, eager to redeem their online tickets for a chance to glimpse their superstar in the national team jersey one last time. The sight of new blue and orange jerseys exhibited on the pavements near the ticket counter was irresistible to many. Indian jerseys with “Chhetri” written on the back, priced at 150-200 Rupees, were selling like hotcakes. Ticket sellers anticipated a full house on Thursday. “In the last four days, we’ve given out five to six thousand tickets daily, and around 20,000 are complimentary,” said one. “We are expecting the maximum crowd tomorrow.”
Fans from distant states and cities are travelling to see Chhetri one last time. The Bengaluru FC fanbase, West Block Blues, is even rumored to have booked a chartered flight on Thursday to reach Kolkata for the game.
On the eve of the big-ticket clash, when Chhetri stepped on to the pitch for training, the first thing he did was turn towards the photographers and reporters and put his hands together in a gesture of gratitude. Despite controlling his emotions – “I am battling a small battle inside,” he said at the pre-match press conference – he and his team had no time to get emotional. The future of Indian football, at least for the next four years, rests on their shoulders. A win against Kuwait would not only propel them into the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, but also secure a place in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
With great expectations from the Blue Tigers on Thursday, they must view it as a chance to send the spectators home ecstatic, and make it an unforgettable farewell for Chhetri – their captain, leader, and legend who will lace up his boots for the national team one final time.