The last of the Titans of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri, has finally decided to take a bow. For 19 years, this 39-year-old has toiled for his country, distinguished himself on the field, and earned a special place for himself in the history of Indian football. Indeed, as long as he was in the national squad, the focus always centred on him, either to see him get a goal or place a goal-bound pass for one of his colleagues to do the finishing job. Rarely did he disappoint, and that explained his achievement of not just being the most capped Indian footballer with 150 appearances, but with 94 goals to his credit, Chhetri placed his name just behind the legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of leading goal scorers for their respective countries! Undoubtedly, he will leave a rich legacy, and this is a big one, but who is going to be inspired by his deeds?

Nothing signified this great man’s sense of presence and aura more than the view of this innocent 14-year-old sports enthusiast, a football fan in fact, whom I had met at a private function. The youngster, when prodded on, came up with a stunning knowledge of European football, backing it up with the names of players from leading teams and whatnot! After his enthusiastic presentation, I asked him about India. "In Indian football, I have heard of only Chhetri, Sunil Chhetri, and nothing else!” What better-telling commentary........

© Mathrubhumi English