Sunil Chhetri felicitated by Eastern Command of Indian Army after Farewell Match

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India legend Sunil Chhetri played his last international game against Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifier match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday (June 6).

Post-match, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army felicitated the Indian legend, who ended his India career with 151 appearances and 94 goals.

Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, presented a significant memento to Chhetri. Lt. Gen. Srikanth, VSM, Chief of Staff HQ, Eastern Command and Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM, GOC Bengal Sub Area, were present too.

Lt. Gen. Tiwari praised Chhetri's contribution, stating, "Sunil has always embodied the values of a professional soldier, fighting for his country till the very end and against all odds. Athletes like him are a role model for the youth of this country and the Indian Army is proud of its long association with such a legend of football. Son of an Army man, Sunil has made the entire Army fraternity proud with his attitude, commitment and dedication in a long and memorable career. We wish him a most fulfilling life after he is done playing the game."

Chhetri, who scored 94 international goals, had the Indian Army's support throughout his journey to becoming a professional footballer. His father, K. B. Chhetri, was an officer in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers of the Indian Army. Sunil began playing at the Army Public School in Delhi.

He later joined the City Football Club and played in the Durand Cup during the 2001-02 season. Although his team did not progress much, he played all games and scored a goal. This performance earned him a spot with the legendary Mohun Bagan Club of Kolkata.

Chhetri won his first and only Durand Cup title in its 131st edition in Kolkata at the VYBK venue. The Army celebrated the occasion with a fitting tribute. A combined pipe band of the 14th and 15th Battalions of the Bihar regiment played the welcome segment.

The 2.5-minute tune was composed by Bir Nepali. When Chhetri exited the stadium, two bagpipers played a tune by Auld Lang Syne. The memento was a trophy resembling the number 11 Chhetri jersey in a celebratory pose, symbolising his career and dedication.

The Eastern Command, under the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) and overseen by the Chief of Defence Staff as its President, organises the famous Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament.