Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri has lauded the Indian Super League (ISL) as one of the most significant tournaments he has participated in, ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season. Chhetri, a veteran of the Indian football scene, acknowledged the remarkable growth of the ISL since its inception in 2014, praising its ability to nurture young talent and expand its reach with the addition of new clubs.
“It has been outstanding. Ten years ago, if I was asked where the ISL would be, or the position it would hold in Indian football, I probably wouldn’t have guessed where we are today. It has grown incredibly well from an eight-club, two-month league to a year-long competition, with the amazing talent it has produced,” Chhetri said. He added, “It has single-handedly become one of the most important tournaments in my lifetime. As an Indian football fan, I hope it grows exponentially in the future, and the next ten years are even better than the last ten.”
The ISL will witness the addition of Kolkata-based Mohammedan SC for the 2024-25 season, following their triumphant run in the I-League 2023-24. Chhetri, who began his senior career with Mohun Bagan in 2002 and had a brief stint with East Bengal FC from 2008-09, is well aware of the fervent fanbase of Kolkata clubs. He expressed his optimism about the positive impact Mohammedan SC’s inclusion will have on the league.
“They will be amazing, Mohammedan SC. When they play, it doesn’t matter where they play. I’m talking about when I was in Kolkata and playing against Mohammedan SC week in, week out. They used to go to the Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi, Cooperate Stadium in Mumbai, and the stadiums used to be jam-packed everywhere. Trust me, wherever they travel, they will have fans. I am really thrilled that Mohammedan SC have earned this spot in the ISL,” Chhetri said.
The ISL 2024-25 season will kick off with Mumbai City FC facing Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on September 13. Chhetri’s Bengaluru FC will be in action the following day, on September 14, against East Bengal FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Chhetri, who retired from international football earlier this year after an illustrious 19-year career, has completed over two decades of professional football. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged the influence of several veterans, both domestic and international, who inspired him to become a better footballer.
“Bhaichung (Bhutia) bhai has been a huge influence in my life. In my generation, domestically, Bhaichung bhai, IM Vijayan, Renedy Singh, they have all been big names. Internationally, we couldn’t watch much television initially, but the phenomenal Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy, these were huge influences for me. I tried to learn something from all of them and used to enjoy watching them,” Chhetri said.
