Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]June 7 (ANI): The show didn't go as planned, especially due to the large number of Indian fans present at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday, but that didn't stop them from showering their love and appreciation on Sunil Chhetri. , who was playing his 5th international match 151. The final result was a goalless draw against Kuwait.

There were loud cheers from the crowd as India's all-time top scorer in international football walked through a makeshift arena to receive a plaque presented to him by the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) , Kalyan Choubey.

Read also | Saurabh Netravalkar Quick Facts: Here's everything you need to know about the Indian American fast bowler in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

The plaque presented to Chhetri by Mr. Chaubey on behalf of the All India Football Federation read: “Dear Sunil, you have been the jewel in the crown of Indian football and the pride of the nation. Your achievements on the field, complemented by your hard work and deviant behavior, amaze us. You have become a star in the firmament. Indian Football Since that fateful day when you stepped onto the field in a blue jersey, this star has never stopped shining and is like a bright spot in the night sky. , shone brighter for almost two decades to achieve incredible feats, we watched in awe as you led Indian football through many obstacles and inspired generations to embrace this beautiful game.

“Today, 19 years and 151 international matches later, having decided to start a new life after today's international football, nostalgia still touches us deeply. You filled our hearts with incredible feelings that we will share with our family and friends until the last moments of the days, with your millions of fans. We will miss your great actions on the ground. “Rest assured, your exceptional skills, exhilarating leadership and humility will forever remain a part of Indian football folklore. Good luck in whatever you do in the future,” he added.

Read also | Are Pakistan out of T20 World Cup 2024? Can PAK still qualify for the Super Eight round after the Shock Super Over defeat against the United States?

Speaking briefly, Chhetri said, “To all my supporters, thank you all. These 19 years would not have been possible without all of you. I sincerely mean it. You are all there, thank you very much. I will do it by speaking from my heart. You are all amazing. Always happy, “Thank you again.”

The Indian captain was also felicitated by the All India Football Federation, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Indian Army and senior ministers of the West Bengal government. (that I)

(This is an unedited, auto-generated story from a syndicated news feed; current staff may not have edited or edited the text)