Chhetri and Stimac Gear up for the 'Biggest Game' of Their Lives
As Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri prepares for his final international match, his focus is firmly on the team's crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait rather than his impending retirement. A victory on Thursday would nearly secure India’s place in the third round of qualifiers, bringing them closer to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Chhetri, who announced that the second-leg match against Kuwait would conclude his remarkable 19-year international career, stressed the significance of the team's performance over his farewell. "It’s not about me and my last match. I don’t want to address it again and again. We really want to win this game. This is not going to be easy, but we are ready. We will have tremendous support,” Chhetri emphasized.
At 39, Chhetri remains dedicated to the team's success. He shared his post-retirement plans, expressing his ongoing commitment to Indian football. "If we win tomorrow, we almost qualify. Five top games home and away, I am going to wear nice suits and watch the match wherever the team travels," he revealed. He frequently motivates his teammates by sharing his dreams for the team and values the extended training camps for fostering unity and refining strategies.
Despite his age, Chhetri’s determination is unwavering, and he is resolute in his decision to retire. “Suits are made, and I am going to watch the boys play. I have thought about it a lot. I had a great ride all these 19 years. I will go as a fan and support the team wherever they go," he said.
The upcoming match against Kuwait is especially critical after India’s surprising 1-2 loss to lower-ranked Afghanistan in a home-leg tie in Guwahati in March, a defeat that drew significant criticism. Indian head coach Igor Stimac acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in the team's preparation. “We need to take care of these players, they don’t have their best striker. We are also without Sandesh."
