Sunil Chhetri: Achievements, Awards, Records
Sunil Chhetri - Achievements, Records and Awards in football world
Sunil Chhetri is an Indian footballer and captain of the national team, with a long list of achievements under his belt. He is currently the third-highest active international goal scorer and has won numerous awards throughout his career, including seven AIFF Player of the Year awards. He has also played for Bengaluru FC, leading them to several victories, and was named the best player in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup. With a career spanning over a decade, he has become one of the most decorated and respected athletes in football history of India.
Today we will discuss about the achievements and records that captain cool created throughout his entire career.
1. Record of most times AIFF Player of the Year award
Sunil Chhetri has a record of seven times AIFF Player of the Year awards. The All India Football Federation award was established in 1992 and Chettri has won it the most times (2007,11,13,14,17,18-19,21-22)
2. Most goals scored by an Indian in AFC competitions
Sunil Chhetri is the only player in India to score 19 goals in AFC Cup and AFC Champions League qualifiers. He played 31 AFC Cup matches and two AFC Champions League (ACL) qualifiers for Churchill Brothers and Bengaluru FC.
3. In ISL history, he became the first Indian player to score a hat-trick.
Sunil Chhetri became the first Indian player in ISL history to score three goals (ISL). He did this while playing for Mumbai City FC in 2015. His first ISL hat-trick came against NorthEast United in a 5-1 win for the Islanders.
4. Indian player with most goals in ISL
Sunil Chhetri has scored 47 goals, making him India's top scorer in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL). Former Chennaiyin FC striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is India's second highest scorer with 24 goals in 76 matches.
5. Indian player with most goals in I-League
Sunil Chhetri has 90 goals in the National Football League (NFL)/I-League. The forward previously played for Mohun Bagan, JCT FC, Dempo SC, United Sports Club and Bengaluru FC. Bhaichung Bhutia, India's second highest run scorer, he scored 89 goals.
6. Captain Fantastic appeared the most.
The captain of the India's football team has also played the most international matches with a total of 117. Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is a close second behind Sunil with 107 caps.
7. Arjun Award Awardee
Chhetri was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his outstanding sporting achievement and the Padma Shri Award in 2019, India's fourth highest civilian honour. He became the first footballer to receive India's highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna award in 2021.
8. Khel Ratna Awardee
President Kovind conferred the Khel Ratna award on 13 November 2021 to Chhetri. It was a moment that both Indian football fans and Captain will remember for the rest of their lives.
9. Other Achievements
He is the only footballer in India to have represented his country on three continents: North America, Asia and Europe.
He has the most hat-tricks of any Indian footballer, scoring them against teams such as Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and Tajikistan.
Chhetri was responsible for India winning the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009 and 2012, as well as the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015 and 2021. He also helped India win the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, qualifying them for their first Asian Cup AFC at 27, scored twice in the final tournament in 2011.
Chhetri was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his outstanding sporting achievement and the Padma Shri Award in 2019, India's fourth highest civilian honour. He became the first footballer to receive India's highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna award in 2021.
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