Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri is set to be recommended for the country’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, by the national governing body, the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Sunil Chhetri, who is India’s highest-ever goalscorer at international level with 56 goals in 97 appearances, has been a key player for the national team over years.
With the AIFF considering recommending a top footballer for the Padma Shri, despite not naming Sunil Chhetri, it could only be Captain Fantastic.
“If there is one name in Indian football who deserves to be recommended for such a huge honour, it is undoubtedly Sunil Chhetri. The AIFF recognises Sunil’s contribution and has already looking at the criteria,” a well-placed source told PTI.
When contacted, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das also said that the federation has recommended Jeje Lalpekhlua and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s names for the Arjuna Awards.
Asked if Chhetri is being considered by the AIFF for the Padma Shri, Das did not confirm, but, in what seemed a giveaway, lavished rich praise on the star striker.
Padma awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day, January 26, every year.