Sachin Tendulkar, Shikhar Dhawan join Sunil Chhetri, urge fans to support Indian football team

A day after skipper Sunil Chhetri sent out an emotional appeal urging fans to hit the ground in large numbers and support the Indian football team, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar reiterated the call and uploaded a video on his official Twitter handle.

India are currently participating in the four-nation Intercontinental Cup 2018 alongside Kenya, Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. Both India and Kenya have won their respective first matches and the winner of their match on Monday will be guaranteed of a spot in the final.

C'mon India... Let's fill in the stadiums and support our teams wherever and whenever they are playing. @chetrisunil11 @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/xoHsTXEkYp

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 3, 2018

All eyes will be on Chhetri who would become the second Indian to play hundred international matches after Bhaichung Bhutia (107).

“It is really important that all of us stand behind them. Our athletes go through rigorous training sessions to bring laurels to our nation. The dream is to represent the nation and it is India. Guys we must stand behind our athletes to support them because getting support from all the well-wishers, it is the best tonic an athlete can have. Let’s stand behind our team and support them. Come on team India, this is our time to show our support to all our athletes. And we wish all the athletes very best,” Tendulkar said in the video.

Tomorrow @chetrisunil11 will join a very elite group of players who have played 100 international matches. Come out and support the Indian team and make it a special night at Mumbai Football Arena #Chhetri100 #backtheblue #INDvKEN #⚽️🇮🇳 #JJ12 pic.twitter.com/GeCn9EsIZ2

— jeje lalpekhlua (@jejefanai) June 3, 2018

A number of sportspersons have also joined in appealing to the fans and reiterating the skipper’s call. From India skipper Virat Kohli to Suresh Raina to the likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua and Rino Anto, players have rallied behind Chhetri to turn things around in the stands.

Congrats @chetrisunil11 on reaching the milestone of 100 caps for the country tonight. Requesting all football fans and sports fans in Mumbai to fill the stadium tonight as @IndianFootball takes on Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup. #SupportIndianFootball #Chhetri100 pic.twitter.com/BucL8wr4Ia

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 4, 2018

According to reports on social media, tickets have already been sold out for the landmark game.

First Published: Jun 04, 2018 14:05 IST