India play out goalless draw against Kuwait in Chhetri's last international match
Kolkata, Jun 6: The talismanic Sunil Chhetri's last international match ended in an anticlimax as a profligate India were held to a goalless draw by visiting Kuwait in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier here on Thursday.
In a country deprived of major footballing success, it was not a fitting farewell for a man who had created an alternative universe for the spectators of the beautiful game in this part of the world.
The result put India in an extremely difficult position to make it to the third round of the qualifiers.
After the draw, India have collected five points and play Asian champions Qatar in their final match on June 11. Kuwait, who have four points, will face Afghanistan on the same day.
The 39-year-old Chhetri ended his glorious 19-year international career as the fourth most prolific scorer in international football with 94 goals, behind Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (128), Iran legend Ali Daei (108) and Argentine wizard Lionel Messi (106).
It's an astounding feat for a player from a country like India and FIFA had acknowledged Chhetri's legendary status when he announced his international retirement on May 16.
Chhetri bid an emotional adieu to the international game in front of a jam-packed 68000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium with his parents Kharga and Sushila, wife Sonam Bhattacharya and a host of officials and former players in attendance.
He will, however, continue playing club football for "two more years". He has a contract with the Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC till next year.
Chhetri had scored in his debut match against Pakistan on June 12, 2005 in Quetta in a 1-1 draw but not on Thursday, though the game ended in a draw this time also. He also did not have much to show for in the whole match.
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Man arrested for attempting to commit theft at bank, ATM in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A man was arrested for allegedly attempting to commit theft at a bank and an ATM here one after the other, police said on Tuesday.
An attempt was made to rob the bank's branch in Sheshadripuram area during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, they said.
Similarly, in the jurisdiction of Halasuru Gate police station, later an attempt was made to break open an ATM and do away with cash, police said.
However, in both these incidents, the alarm system was activated during the attempt, following which the suspect fled the spot before executing the theft.
"To detect these cases, five special teams comprising officers and staff were formed. The police prepared a strategic action plan and carried out a thorough investigation. Within 24 hours of the incidents, one accused was traced, secured, and taken into custody for interrogation. It has been ensured that such incidents do not create fear or insecurity among the public," a police statement said.
A detailed inquiry is being conducted regarding the background of the accused, including whether he has been involved in any previous cases, police said, adding that further investigation is ongoing.
In the coming days, appropriate measures will be taken to enhance security by coordinating with bank officials and security personnel, they added.
