India Lifts its 9th SAFF Championship Trophy 

Indian football scripted history last night as skipper Sunil Chhetri led team India to lift the SAFF Championship trophy for the ninth time. The Indians faced the Kuwaiti team in a blistering contest as both sides refused to concede in this match, which ended on a thrilling note. Kuwait struck early as Shabib Al Khaldi scored a goal and put his team ahead in the game. However, Lallianzuala Chhangte put India back on track by penetrating through the Kuwaiti defence. The match tied at 1-1 and ascended to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.   

Sunil Chhetri and his boys made the most of this shoot-out and won by just one goal after a fiery contest. This marked the third major victory for team India this year, along with the Tri-Nation Cup in March, followed by the Intercontinental Cup in June. Indian football received ecstatic wishes for winning this SAFF championship trophy from people all over the nation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted, “India crowned champions, yet again! The Blue Tigers reign supreme at the #SAFFChampionship2023! Congrats to our players. The Indian Team’s remarkable journey, powered by the determination and tenacity of these athletes, will continue to inspire upcoming sportspersons.”   

While India has significantly improved its football rankings, the journey to the FIFA world cup will need similar consistent performances from Sunil Chhetri and his troops in the coming tournaments.