Chhetri Says Thank You as Fans Pack Out India Match
When the Indian football team came out to play Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup, the place was buzzing. The Mumbai Football Arena was completely full – not a single empty seat. Everyone was there to cheer. For captain Sunil Chhetri, it meant the world.
Just a few days before, Chhetri had said how gutted he was to see empty stands during his 100th game for India. He made a simple request to fans: come to the next match. Even if it's just to have a go at us, he said, just turn up. People listened. Tickets sold out fast, and the stadium was packed with fans singing, shouting, and backing the team.
After the game, Chhetri thanked everyone. He told them that having them there gives the players a proper lift, and promised that as long as fans keep showing up, the team will give it their all. What he said was simple but true: football isn't just about the players on the pitch – it's about everyone in the stands too.
This was about more than just one game. It showed that Indian football can get people excited when it's given a chance. It proved that fans are ready to get behind their team when they feel wanted and respected. Chhetri's plea and the response it got will go down as a key moment – proof that sport works best when there's honesty, trust, and pride on both sides.