Over the course of last one-two weeks, the history of Indian football seems to be changing in India’s perception and we couldn’t be more happy about it. For the longest time, Indians have united for Indian cricket and even for International football matches, but very rarely do they come to the stadiums to cheer for Indian football team, as well as for other sports.
But it completely changed once Sunil Chhetri came out with a video, urging fans to come and support them in the stadiums for their intercontinental match series. He posted an emotional message that hit home with many and soon the seats for these
matches were all filled up.
The scenario was same for the first, as well as, for the last match of the series. And, last night when India lifted the Intercontinental Trophy, the entire stadium came together for a celebration that will give you goosebumps. The Indian team celebrated their win with the fans with a small cheering session and it looked something like this.
https://www.facebook.com/IndianSuperLeague/videos/1004942613014995/
Apart from this celebration video, there was one more exciting thing about last night’s match and it was Sunil Chhetri.
Here’s how he thanked the fans who came to support the team.
What a feeling! Thank you, India! This win is for the fans who filled the stands, cheered from home and backed and believed in us. The boys and staff pulled together and now it’s time to enjoy. We regroup soon because the road is long – very long. #Champions pic.twitter.com/xar3pR9Ki0
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 10, 2018
After last night’s match, Chhetri came at par with Lionel Messi and lead the home side to Intercontinental Cup title triumph with a 2-0 win over Kenya in the summit clash. It was Chhetri’s 102 international match and he struck in the eighth and 29th minutes to hand a dominant India the trophy. Much like everything else, even this struck the Internet where people couldn’t stop praising the man for his commitment and hard work. Here are some of the reactions to Sunil Chhetri’s milestone.
https://twitter.com/JagratiShukla29/status/1005835318111526913
Splendid performance from the #MenInBlue. Keep it up, @chetrisunil11 and the @IndianFootball team. You guys totally deserved this victory. Our support will always continue to be with you. #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/JxKYVlF8Ej
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 10, 2018
Congratulations captain Sunil Chhetri @chetrisunil11 and the Indian team @IndianFootball for their wonderful victory at the Intercontinental Cup final. We are all proud of you
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 10, 2018
All the best for the final, Champ! 💪🏾⚽️ @chetrisunil11 Im shooting #Simmba in Hyderabad else would’ve been there to cheer the boys…loud & proud! Will live stream it nonetheless. It’s the home stretch & glory beckons! It’s your time! Let’s go! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 @IndianFootball
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 10, 2018
Thank you @chetrisunil11 for giving the country so much to cherish. You were inspirational and I am sure this #IntercontinentalCup victory will help in ensuring that you guys play in a jam packed stadium . Congratulations @IndianFootball #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/WADgZEd5rl
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 10, 2018
Highest Active International Goal Scorers:
🇵🇹Cristiano Ronaldo – 81
🇮🇳SUNIL CHHETRI – 64
🇦🇷Lionel Messi – 64One more goal, Sunil!
— Amu 💫 (@amuyuvi) June 10, 2018
GOOSEBUMPS. We are witnessing a revolution in @IndianFootball. The scenes in the Stadium are surreal. Thank you @chetrisunil11 and Team for making us proud. Onwards and Upwards from here. My favourite moment of this #HeroIntercontinentalCup has to be this ❤️ #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/OQMbTrf7c1
— Siddharth Kaul (@iamsidkaul) June 10, 2018
What a wonderful day for @IndianFootball team and the fans across nation. India defeated Kenya 2-0 to lift the #IntercontinentalCup. Captain @ChetriSunil11 led from front brilliantly again. Well done team👏. India 🇮🇳 is Proud of you all. #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/iyjfV7n9bh
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 10, 2018
Congrats @IndianFootball for winning the #IntercontinentalCup. @chetrisunil11 is a great youth icon who gave the impetus to generate packed stadiums in this tournament. Special mention of our super stud goalie Gurpreet. Football has finally arrived in India. #INDvKEN #BackTheBlue
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) June 10, 2018
Congratulations India on winning the #IntercontinentalCup in style. The captain @chetrisunil11 led from the front in style @IndianFootball #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/eyKzdwt7yN
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 10, 2018
India wins ! Soccerman ! The difference between India and Kenya is @chetrisunil11 #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/NnvooJdWyJ
— Anjana Om Kashyap (@anjanaomkashyap) June 10, 2018
When the commentator says "Sunil Chhetri"
#IndvKen pic.twitter.com/O2NYbIrtog— Karan Talwar (@BollywoodGandu) June 10, 2018
Sunil Chhetri makes it 2-0. On a hat-trick. He equals Messi’s record of 64 international goals, second only to Ronaldo’s among those currently playing. Against a different breed of opponents, of course. Still, what a feat. #INDvKEN #IntercontinentalCup2018 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 🇮🇳
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) June 10, 2018
Congratulations Indian team on defeating Kenya 2-0 to clinch the #InterContinentalCup. A day to cherish for the @IndianFootball team and the fans. Captain Sunil Chhetri was unstoppable on his day.
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) June 10, 2018
All in all, the Intercontinental Cup became one of the most memorable series India has ever played and it was all possible because of the fans who went out to cheer their home team. Keep supporting.
Jyotsna Amla