Indian Football striker Sunil Chettri praised the spirit and attitude of the Indian U-17 colts. The senior national team skipper on Friday expressed his confidence that the young lads will give their best in the Under-17 FIFA World Cup which is being held in India for the very first time. India have been clubbed with Colombia, the United States and Ghana in Group A of the 24-team tournament starting on October 6.
Speaking after the draw, Chhetri said: "It's the best tournament in the world in this age group. I am really excited. The boys are well prepared. I was talking to one of them and I asked which teams do you want? And he told me that it doesn't matter. We are just gonna go there and give our best and I was really impressed. There are two things. As a team, we will give whatever we have, and as hosts, we will try to be the best the world has ever seen," said India's all-time leading goalscorer.
Chhetri was one of the four sportspersons doing the draw besides Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu, and the country's top-ranked badminton player P.V. Sindhu, who stated that the experience for the boys would be one to remember and results would not matter."India being the hosts, I would like to wish them all the very best, and I think it's just that you need to believe in yourself and give your best, no matter what," she said.
"Of course there are good teams out there, but I think if we do well it's ok, but if we don't, if we lose, never mind it's just the experience. You will have to learn a lot more", said Sindhu."This is just the beginning for them and there is a long way to go. So I think being the hosts, there will always be pressure. I would like to wish India all the best and other teams as well," she added.
( With IANS Inputs)
