Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar lauded the national football team after it won the SAFF Championship 2023 final against Kuwait in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
India won the penalty shoot-out 5-4, after the match was level at 1-1 after extra-time, to clinch the title.
Soon after the match, Tendulkar tweeted “What a phenomenal display of strength, determination and nerves of steel! Huge congratulations to Team India!”.
Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah also heaped praise on the football team for making the country proud.
“A nail-biting finish sees the Blue Tigers triumph over Kuwait. A huge victory for Indian football as we are the nine-time champions of the SAFF,” tweeted Shah.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also showered praise on the national football team.
“India crowned champions, yet again! The Blue Tigers reign supreme at the #SAFFChampionship2023! Congrats to our players. The Indian Team’s remarkable journey, powered by the determination and tenacity of these athletes, will continue to inspire upcoming sportspersons,” tweeted Modi.
The scoreline was 4-4 after the first five penalty kicks, which led to a sudden-death scenario.
Mahesh Naorem converted for India in the sudden-death while India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a superb save to deny Kuwait’s Khaled Hajiah and win the title for his country.
Earlier, Shabaib Al Khaldi gave Kuwait the lead in the 14th minute before Lallianzuala Chhangte equalised in the 39th minute for the home side.
India’s star striker Sunil Chhetri bagged the award for highest goal scorer, 5, and the most valuable player of the tournament.