Sunil Chhetri optimistic about Indian football, vows to do 'everything' to achieve India's dreams
It’s been a month since the legendary Sunil Chhetri retired from international football after serving the country for nearly two decades. Legacies like his don’t fade quickly and Chhetri’s contributions will undoubtedly live on in Indian football folklore forever.
However, it’s also time to look ahead. And no one is more qualified and dedicated to the future of Indian football than Chhetri himself.
Alongside Indian President Draupadi Murmu, the 39-year-old participated in the inauguration of the trophy tour for the prestigious 133rd Durand Cup, which is set to begin on July 27 in Kolkata. He opened up about the future of the sport in India and expressed his unwavering commitment to developing its core off the pitch.
“I have experienced a lot of ups and downs in my career, but one thing is constant, that is one day, we will reach that level which all of us have dreamt of. I can’t do much now as I am retired but I will do everything I can to take India to that promised land. We have a lot to work for, but we will be at that place we want to be," Chhetri said (via Press Trust of India).
Chhetri, who will continue to play for Bengaluru FC and is set to participate in the Durand Cup, also highlighted how the tournament will help new talents emerge.
In fact, Chhetri himself gained prominence on this very stage back in 2002 when he helped City Club, a Delhi-based team, reach the quarter-finals. A year later, Mohun Bagan recognized his talent, and the rest, as they say, is history.
"I was discovered in this tournament when I was playing for a Delhi club. This is not just a tournament. There is a lot of tradition and history of Indian football associated with it. Durand Cup is the springboard of many talented players in this country,” Chhetri added.
The 2024 Durand Cup to feature 24 teams
The Durand Cup will once again serve as the curtain-raiser for Indian football, with 24 teams set to participate in the tournament. All 13 ISL teams, including the newly promoted Mohammedan SC, will compete, and the matches will be hosted in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, and Kokrajhar.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant are the defending champions, having defeated their old rivals East Bengal FC in last year’s final. Several teams will also be fielding their second teams to provide opportunities for young players to impress ahead of the league season.
The 24 teams will be divided into six groups, with each team playing at least three matches. The best team from each group, along with the two best second-placed teams, will qualify for the quarter-finals.
The Durand Cup is set to begin in Kolkata on July 27, with the final scheduled to be played at the famous Salt Lake Stadium on August 31.