Girja Shankar Dixit
The recent discourse surrounding athletes in their 40s often carries a tone of inevitable decline. While the spotlight has been on MS Dhoni’s evolving role at Chennai Super Kings, with questions arising about the impact of age on his once explosive batting, a different narrative unfolds in the realm of Indian football. There, Sunil Chhetri, a player also navigating his fifth decade, continues to defy conventional wisdom, not just participating, but unequivocally leading.
Where Dhoni’s age is framed as a potential limitation, Chhetri’s 40-plus years serve as a testament to enduring excellence. He isn’t just a veteran presence in the Indian Super League (ISL); he remains its premier Indian striker, a solitary force consistently challenging foreign counterparts. His decisive header in the semi-final for Bengaluru FC wasn’t a nostalgic cameo, but a pivotal moment of match-winning brilliance. As Mohun Bagan Super Giant prepares for the final, it is Chhetri’s name that likely features prominently in their tactical discussions.
Chhetri’s continued dominance isn’t a stroke of luck; it’s the culmination of three defining characteristics. Firstly, his physical conditioning remains elite. He possesses a level of fitness that allows him to outpace younger players and maintain intensity for the full 90 minutes – a stark contrast to the perceived physical constraints often associated with athletes his age. Secondly, his unyielding hunger for success is palpable. His match-winning goal and his decision to rejoin the national team for a seemingly low-stakes game against Bangladesh – a move driven purely by passion – underscore this intrinsic drive. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, his disciplined lifestyle is legendary. His famous mantra, “I eat what I need, I don’t eat what I like,” offers a glimpse into the rigorous self-regulation that fuels his longevity.
This begs the question: amidst the constant analysis of Dhoni’s twilight years, have we truly acknowledged and celebrated the extraordinary phenomenon that is Sunil Chhetri? He represents more than just goals and victories; he embodies a benchmark of consistent effort and unwavering focus on the fundamental aspects of his profession. Chhetri, who has long secured his financial stability, continues to diligently hone the basics day after day. This dedication to the often-unseen, the rigorous training behind the televised spectacle, is what sets him apart and establishes him as an exceptional role model for any aspiring athlete.
The truth is, athletic greatness isn’t conjured under the stadium lights; it’s painstakingly crafted in the quiet hours of practice and training. Chhetri’s enduring success is a powerful reminder that sustained excellence isn’t about fleeting brilliance, but about the relentless commitment to the “mundane” – the daily grind that for over two decades has become almost second nature to him.
Regardless of the outcome of the ISL final, Sunil Chhetri’s continued impact transcends team loyalties. He is a vital force for Indian sport, a living embodiment of dedication and a shining symbol of what can be achieved when talent is married with unwavering discipline. His story isn’t just about defying age; it’s about the timeless power of commitment to one’s craft.
