Sunil Chhetri's visit lights up Blue Tigresses camp

ANI May 19, 2025 225 views

Sunil Chhetri dropped by the Blue Tigresses' training camp in Bengaluru, offering encouragement before their crucial AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. The team presented him with a signed India kit as a token of appreciation. Chhetri noted the influx of young talent and praised their energy under coach Crispin Chettri. The Tigresses will face Uzbekistan in friendlies before heading to Thailand for qualifiers.

"There are a lot of youngsters, and I got very good feedback from the head coach about them." – Sunil Chhetri
Bengaluru, May 18: The Blue Tigresses had a special visitor at their camp in Bengaluru - senior men's national team captain Sunil Chhetri, as per the AIFF official website.

Key Points

1

Chhetri boosts morale ahead of Uzbekistan friendlies

2

Women’s team preps for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers

3

Signed India kit gifted to Chhetri

4

Coach Crispin Chettri oversees training in Bengaluru

The Blue Tigers forward had some encouraging words for the women's team as they prepare for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, to be held next month. The Blue Tigresses also presented Chhetri with an India kit signed by all the team members.

The senior women's national team, coached by Crispin Chettri, are currently training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, and will also play two FIFA Women's International Friendlies against Uzbekistan on May 29 and June 3, in the city.

While this was not the first time that Chhetri visited the women's team, he expressed his surprise at the number of new faces he saw at the camp.

"It was an amazing experience. There aren't too many old faces left from the last time I met this team, which just tells you how old I've become. There are a lot of youngsters, and I got very good feedback from the head coach about them," said Chhetri, as quoted on the AIFF official website.

"There are a lot of youngsters, and I got very good feedback from the head coach about them. Everyone looked happy and chirpy. They've got some good friendlies coming up against Uzbekistan and then the Asian Cup Qualifiers, and I wish them the very best. I just want them to be happy, feel comfortable together, and enjoy their training," the striker added.

The Blue Tigresses, clubbed in Group B, will begin their AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifying campaign on June 23 against Mongolia in Chiang Mai, Thailand, following which, they play Timor-Leste (June 29), Iraq (July 2), and hosts Thailand (July 5).

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a wonderful gesture by Sunil Chhetri! His support means so much to our women's team. We need more senior players to mentor the next generation like this. The Blue Tigresses are showing great promise - let's hope they make us proud in the Asian Cup qualifiers! 🇮🇳⚽
P
Priya M.
So heartwarming to see this! Chhetri is setting a great example for Indian football. The women's team deserves equal attention and support. Hope AIFF continues to invest in their development. The Uzbekistan friendlies will be a good test before the qualifiers.
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate Chhetri's visit, I wish our women's team got more media coverage and better facilities regularly, not just when a star player visits. The Padukone-Dravid Centre is great, but we need more such facilities across India for women's football to grow.
N
Neha T.
Chhetri's humility is what makes him a true legend! His comment about "how old I've become" shows his down-to-earth nature. The Blue Tigresses seem to have good team spirit - that signed jersey gift was a sweet touch. Best of luck for the Uzbekistan matches! 💙
V
Vikram J.
The group stage looks challenging but winnable. Mongolia and Timor-Leste should be straightforward, but Thailand at home will be tough. Hope the new young players step up. More such interactions between men's and women's teams would be beneficial for Indian football overall.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Sunil Chhetri Blue Tigresses AFC Women’s Asian Cup Indian football Uzbekistan friendlies