After being named for Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India football skipper Sunil Chhetri said that the journament he has been through last 16 years has been like a dream.
Sunil made his India debut on June 12, 2005 against Pakistan in Quetta.
“I am thrilled, I am really thankful and honoured. I have always said that it is a dream that I have gone through, and it would not have been possible without my family, teammates and coaches I have played under,” Chhetri said.
“It has been amazing to play for the National team, for so many years, for the number of matches, it has been an outstanding journey,” said the 36-year-old year talismanic India captain in an AIFF release.
Congratulating Chhetri, All India Football Federation president Patel has no one deserves the award more than Sunil.
“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,” Patel said.
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das also congratulated Chhetri.
“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,” Das said.
