Former India captain Sunil Chhetri praises Khalid Jamil & team after valiant draw against Panama

Panama are ranked 94 spots above India in FIFA rankings.

The Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, hosted the opening fixture of the marquee FIFA International window between hosts India and two-time World Cup playing nation, Panama.

Bengaluru has been a happy hunting ground for the Blue Tigers, who last won the 2023 SAFF Championship campaign, when India registered victories over Pakistan, Nepal, Lebanon and Kuwait on their way to lifting the trophy in the Silicon Valley of India.

Bengaluru FC custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, wearing the captain’s armband, led his team from the back as India pulled out a spectacular 1-1 draw against the Central American nation.

India not only clinched a draw but also dominated the game and were in the driver’s seat for the majority of the first 45 minutes. Bengaluru FC lad Ryan Williams, who was playing in a familiar venue, broke the deadlock as India scored a historic goal against the two-time World Cup participants.

India were leading 1-0 until a stunning strike from New York Red Bulls defender Omar Valencia saw Panama equalise the score. The Blue Tigers tried to restore the lead, and Edmund and Manvir came agonisingly close to finding the back of the net. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The marquee fixture saw several dignitaries in attendance, including the Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar. Apart from that, a familiar face was spotted in the stands at Kanteerava.

Someone, who has carried the hopes of a billion Indians on his shoulders for decades and won several accolades for his nation, Sunil Chhetri, the Captain, Leader, Legend was seen in the stands cheering for the Blue Tigers.

Chhetri immensely proud after Blue Tigers’ draw against Panama

The former Indian national team captain who has scored 95 international goals for India in 157 appearances posted on his Instagram account to congratulate the Blue Tigers, who pulled out nothing less than a miracle against a side ranked 94 spots above India in FIFA Rankings.

“Immensely proud of the boys tonight. Watched you from the stands. Well done, Khalid bhai and the staff. There’s one big one coming up next. Rest well, and only the best of everything for this brunch.”

Panama’s last game before playing India was against Thomas Tuchel’s England at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the same players rubbed shoulders with legendary names like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

India drew against the same Panama side that held a star-studded English side to a goalless first half. Despite failing to clinch a point or score a goal in North America, Panama were a resilient side to beat. Panama controlled the game against Ghana and Croatia, and scoring against them was a mammoth task.

Chhetri making peace with being a fan after representing India

Padma Shri Sunil Chhetri felt it was a bit strange to visit Sree Kanteerava while not being a part of the Indian national team. The former Indian team captain is making peace with being a fan after giving his every drop of blood, sweat and tears for the Indian national team for decades.

“I have made peace because now at 42, I know there isn’t anything much that I could have given to the team. Till the time I could, I gave everything, but now I know that I couldn’t have, so I’m pretty happy. I am fortunate to have played for the country for so many years, so many games. When I played, I tried my best. My time is up. I’m a fan now,” via TOI.

The man who has single-handedly carried the hopes of a billion Indians has been backing the national team. He feels that such marquee friendlies are rare, as the Blue Tigers get to lock horns with teams outside SAFF and AFC.

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