Although the Indian Football Team lost their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group stage game against Qatar in Bhubaneswar, Indian captain Sunil Chhetri won hearts after the match with his humane gesture towards a child.
India succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Asian champions Qatar in Kalinga Stadium of Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Qatar dominated the Chhetri-led team from the start through their slick passing and effective pressing. Goals from Mustafa Mashal, Moez Ali, and Abdurisag secured the tie in favour of Qatar in the end.
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Sunil Chhetri’s gesture
The heartwarming incident took place after the match. The Indian team were on their way to the team hotel after the loss in Odisha. A hefty crowd had gathered in front of the team bus to greet the team after the match. Among the crowd stood a young Blue Tigers fan shouting ‘Chhetri’, ‘Chhetri’.
The Indian Captain, who had already boarded the team bus and sat at one of the window seats, waved at the child and acknowledged his support, although the child wanted to meet the Indian captain in person.
Seeing the child’s desperation, Sunil Chhetri came down from the team bus and hugged the child. The video of the incident, posted by Odisha FC on Instagram, drew a huge response. Fans wholeheartedly appreciated Chhetri’s humble nature after the video took off.
One fan wrote on the comments, “You just can’t hate this man”. Another commented, “Though u lost the match last night, but earned the Respect, and credibility for ur team and Player’s. See u soon again Star.”
The Indian football team was drawn into the Group A of the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Qatar, Afghanistan and Kuwait. India won their opening fixture of Round 2 away against Kuwait. Courtesy of the loss to Qatar, India sit at the third spot of the group with three points from two matches.
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