NEW DELHI: Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has praised the Indian Super League (ISL) for its significant contribution to the sport's growth in the country.
Speaking ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Bengaluru FC captain expressed his astonishment at the league's evolution since its inception in 2014.
"It has been outstanding. 10 years back if I was asked where ISL would reach, or the position that it would hold in Indian football, I probably wouldn't have guessed where we are. It has grown outstandingly well from an eight-club two-month-long league to now running for the whole year, with the talents that it has produced," Chhetri said, as quoted by PTI.
Chhetri highlighted the ISL's expansion from an eight-team, two-month competition to a year-long league, nurturing young talent and attracting new clubs.
"It has single-handedly become one of the most important tournaments in my lifetime. In the coming future, as I am an Indian football fan, I hope it grows exponentially and I hope the coming 10 years are far better than what we have seen in the last 10 years," added Chhetri.
This season welcomes Kolkata giants Mohammedan SC to the ISL, marking a significant moment for the league.
Having earned promotion through their I-League triumph, Mohammedan SC bring a passionate and widespread fanbase.
Chhetri, familiar with the club's fervent following from his time playing in Kolkata, anticipates a significant boost to the league's atmosphere.
"They will be amazing, Mohammedan SC. When they play, it doesn't matter where they play. I am 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," the former India international said.
"Trust me, wherever they travel, they will have fans. I am really thrilled that Mohammedan SC have earned this spot in the ISL," he added.
The upcoming season kicks off on September 13th with a clash between Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Chhetri's Bengaluru FC will commence their campaign the following day against East Bengal FC.
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