A Tribute to Sunil Chhetri

I spent a year observing the legend and this was what I discovered.

In the world of sports, there are few individuals who embody the essence of leadership and dedication as wholly as Sunil Chhetri.

For almost two decades, Sunil has been the heart and soul of the Indian National Football Team, an exemplary captain whose influence extends far beyond the pitch. Having had the immense privilege of serving as the Head of Performance Psychology for this team over the past year, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable qualities that make Sunil not just a great player, but an extraordinary human being and leader.

From the moment I joined the support staff, Sunil was there, welcoming and encouraging me, whilst pushing others to explore new techniques that could enhance our performance as a unit. His willingness to embrace innovation and his constant pursuit of improvement were immediately evident. Despite his extensive experience, the 140+ matches he had already played for India, Sunil remained a humble student of the game, always eager to learn and grow.

Sunil's leadership is defined by his actions both on and off the field. He leads from the front, being the first one on the pitch and the last one to leave. His dedication is unwavering, his work ethic unparalleled.

I noticed early one that he was often the first to arrive and the last to leave at every meal, moving from table to table, listening to every player, sharing his wealth of knowledge, and making everyone feel comfortable and confident. He is truly the players' captain, a leader in every sense of the word.

What struck me the most about Sunil was his playful energy and exuberance. Despite the pressures and demands of being a top athlete, he always found joy in the game. His laughter and smiles were contagious, creating an atmosphere of positivity and camaraderie. Sunil's approach to practice was nothing short of inspiring; he never finished a session without pushing the boundaries of his potential, constantly redefining who he was. That relentless pursuit of mastery is what sets him apart, and I would go as far as saying, it helped every athlete in his midst redefine their limits as well.

Sunil Chhetri is not just a footballer; he is an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend. His selflessness and genuine care for others have had a profound impact on everyone around him. Working alongside Sunil has been one of the greatest highlights of my career. There is a beautiful quote: 'excellence is not one person moving one thousand steps ahead. It is one thousand people moving one step ahead.' Sunil is a living breathing testament to this style of leadership.

As he closes this chapter of his life, his contributions to the sport and his influence on the lives of those he has touched will be remembered for generations to come.

I Thank You, Sunil, for being an extraordinary leader and a beacon of inspiration.

It has been an honour to work with you, learn from you, and witness your remarkable journey.

I Salute You, my captain.

Shayamal

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