Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri turns 36 on Monday. Known as 'Captain Fantastic', he is the living embodiment of hard work and dedication as Indian football continues to take small steps towards world recognition. (More Football News)
Born in Secunderabad on August 3, 1984, Chhetri has emerged as one of India's greatest footballers. He is already the second-highest international scorer among active footballers, only behind Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and ahead of Argentina's Lionel Messi.
The Bengaluru FC captain is also the most-capped player and all-time top goal-scorer for the Indian national team.
Celebrating the skipper's birthday, fans took to the social media platforms to shower him with wishes.
Here are some lovely messages:
Last week, Chhetri was voted as the favourite player of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup by fans as he finished ahead of Eldor Shomurodov of Uzbekistan.
Chhetri beat Shomurodov 51-49 in the poll after trailing in the initial stages of voting.
Two years ago, he named an Asian Icon by the AFC on his 34th birthday.
The Chhetri-led India is scheduled to face Qatar at home in a World Cup Qualifier on October 8, take on Bangladesh away on November 12 and then host Afghanistan on November 17.
Meanwhile, Football Delhi will be joined by some of the popular voices in world and Indian football to celebrate Delhi Football Day and Chhetri's birthday.
There will be a panel discussion led by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and some of the top football administrators.
Asian Football Confederation General Secretary-General Dato Winsdor John will also be present, along with FIFA's Sara Booth, AIFF President Praful Patel, AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das.
The e-summit will be broadcasted live on Facebook and YouTube.
