Sunil Chhetri receives Padma Shri Award at Rashtraprati Bhawan

The former Dempo man has also been conferred with the Arjuna Award in the past.

Blue Tigers' talisman Sunil Chhetri received the Padma Shri Award today, from President Ramnath Kovind, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Indian skipper recently overtook Lionel Messi to become the second highest active international goalscorer with 67 goals. The Bengaluru man is now only behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 85 goals registered in his name.

Chhetri recently led the national team to the 2018 Inter-Continental Cup title, also playing a crucial role in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, although India crashed out of the group stage in a dramatic manner.

Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind confers Padma Shri award upon Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri. #PadmaAwards pic.twitter.com/zIVFeU4UNe

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2019

The 34-year-old has also helped India to three Nehru Cup titles, two SAFF trophies, and an AFC Challenge Cup.

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He is already an Arjuna Awardee, and has won the AIFF Player of the Year five times. Domestically, Chhetri has also added the I-League title, Federation Cup, and Super Cup to his trophy cabinet.

The BFC man is currently getting ready with his club for the upcoming Indian Super League finale, to be played against FC Goa at the Mumbai Football Arena.