Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Sunil Chhetri after FIFA releases 3-episode series on football captain

Sunil Chhetri. (Source: Twitter)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (September 28) hailed Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri after FIFA released a three-episode series on the player’s life and career, and said this will boost the sport’s popularity in India. World football governing body FIFA has released the series on the life and career of Chhetri in recognition of his achievements and goal-scoring exploits.

“Well done Sunil Chhetri! This will certainly boost football's popularity in India,” Modi tweeted.

Well done Sunil Chhetri! This will certainly boost football's popularity in India. @chetrisunil11 [?] https://t.co/Hh9pGtDhmh — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2022

FIFA announced that the three episodes are available on FIFA+, its streaming platform. “You know all about Ronaldo and Messi, now get the definitive story of the third highest scoring active men's international. Sunil Chhetri | Captain Fantastic is available on FIFA+ now,” the FIFA tweeted from its World Cup handle.

World football governing body FIFA has released a three-episode series on the life and career of talismanic Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri in recognition of his achievements and goal-scoring exploits. FIFA announced that the three episodes are available on FIFA+, its streaming platform.

The 38-year-old Chhetri is third in the list for active footballers with most international goals with 84 strikes to his name, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (117) and Lionel Messi (90). “The first episode takes us back to where it all started...All leading up to his India debut at the age of 20. Close associates, loved ones, and footballing colleagues help tell the tale -- apart from the man himself, the man affectionately dubbed, ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’,” the synopsis of the first episode said.

The second episode was about Chhetri starting to perform wonders for the national team, his big dream of playing professional football for a top-class overseas club. In the third episode, Chhetri reached the zenith of his professional career and his personal life. Trophies piled up and records were shattered.

Chhetri made his India debut in 2005 and since then has played in 131 matches, including the one against Vietnam on Tuesday.

(with PTI inputs)