We hope Sunil Chhetri will make it memorable on Tuesday for all Indian fans, says Igor Stimac

India’s football head coach Igor Stimac is hopeful that captain Sunil Chhetri can make it memorable on Tuesday for all Indian fans. Chhetri will play his 150th match for the Blue Tigers and he is all set to be felicitated by the All India Football Federation.

Last weekend, India played a goalless draw against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 game at Abha.

India will once again take on the Afghans but this time at their home venue of Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday, and Stimac is hopeful that Chhetri, who has always delivered, will deliver again for the national team.

“Being chosen to represent your country is a dream of millions of kids when they start kicking the ball, and to make it 150 times is possible only for the GOATs (greatest of all times),” said Stimac. “We hope our captain will make it memorable on March 26 for all Indian fans and himself.”

Meanwhile, commenting on Chhetri’s achievement, AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey said: “It’s been an awe-inspiring and staggering cruise that all of us have been fortunate to witness since 2005. Chhetri playing his 150th international match is an extraordinary accomplishment that will go a long way in keeping the Indian football flag flying high. He has been a great influencer who has motivated millions to play this Beautiful Game. I congratulate Chhetri for reaching this great height in international football.”

On the other hand, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who kept a clean sheet against Afghanistan, was delighted by the warm welcome that the team received at the airport.

“It was very nice of all the people who came to the airport to welcome us and show their love and support for Indian Football. I hope we can repay them with a good result against Afghanistan, something for them to cheer about,” said Gurpreet.