New Delhi: In its 136 year history, Durand Cup has been a platform for the emergence of many Indian footballers, with Sunil Vhhetri being one of them.’
The striker came into the spotlight in its 2002 edition, when playing for Delhi FC, after being named one of the five promising players. His promising talent was identified by Mohun Bagan and was called for Kolkata for trials.
Upon impressing in trials he was offered a four-year contract which he accepted and announced his arrival into the mainstream of Indian football.
Chettri recollected his association with the tournament while speaking at a function attended by President Droupadi Murmu, who flagged off its trophy tour.
“I was discovered in this tournament when I was playing for a Delhi club. This is not just a tournament. There is a lot of tradition and history of Indian football associated with it,” he said, having won the trophy once as captain of Bengaluru FC in 2022.
“Durand Cup is the springboard of many a talented players in this country,” the former India captain said, the country’s highest scorer (94) and most capped player (199).
The 133rd edition of Asia’s oldest and world’s fifth oldest tournament will begin in Kolkata on July 27, with matches scheduled to be held in Kokrajhar, Jamshedpur and Shillong too.
A total of 24 teams, divided in six groups, will compete for glory.
Chhetri recently retired from internation football but will continue to play for Bengaluru FC in the 2024-25 season, promising to give his all to develop the state of the game in the country.
“I have experienced a lot of ups and downs in my career, but one thing is constant, that is one day, we will reach that level which all of us have dreamt of,” the 39-year-old said.
“I can’t do much now as I am retired but I will do everything I can to take India to that promised land. We have a lot to work for, but we will be at that place we want to be.”
Sunil Chhetri came into the spotlight in the 2002 edition of Durand Cup and fondly recollected his association with the tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
