Determined to maintain unbeaten run: Chhetri
The Hindu
A draw feel likes a defeat, but inspirational Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri is determined to maintain their unbeaten run intact, a splendid home run that stretches to almost four years.
A draw feel likes a defeat, but inspirational Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri is determined to maintain their unbeaten run intact, a splendid home run that stretches to almost four years.
In a high-octane and ill-tempered SAFF Championship contest against Kuwait, India took the lead in the first-half injury time following Chhetri's 92nd international goal.
However, an unlucky own goal from Anwar Ali in second-half injury time put a heartbreaking end to India's hopes of topping the group.
"To a large extent, we could do exactly what we had trained for. They are not an easy side. This team can play, and we could see that. But we matched their energy, and for most of the time, I think we did well, "said Chhetri.
"But the feeling that comes to our mind is that of a loss because we conceded at the last moment," he added.
"Clean sheet was one of our targets, which went out of the window. All of us in the dressing room are a little bit disheartened about that. Now, it's the unbeaten run that we want to keep as long as possible." India are unbeaten in all nine matches played in 2023. At home, the run stretches to almost four years, with the last defeat coming in Guwahati against Oman in September 2019 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Chhetri further backed Anwar who conceded the own goal in the dying minutes that cancelled India's 1-0 lead.
Asian Games champion Avinash Sable opened his season in the 3000m steeple chase with a silver in the Portland Track Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event, in Oregon on Saturday. He clocked 8:21.85s. Asian champion Parul Chaudhary took the bronze in the women’s 3000m steeple chase in a season-best 9:31.38s. Former Asian bronze medallist Sanjivani Jadhav struck gold in the women’s 10,000m in 32:22.77s, a time which was a second off her personal best, while Seema was sixth in 32:55.91s.