Indian football team bagged their second consecutive and record ninth SAFF Championship title by beating Kuwait 5-4 in the penalty shootout in the final on Tuesday in Bengaluru.
Shabib Al Khalid handed the visitors an early lead but Lallianzuala Chhangte equalised for India in the 39th minute of the game.
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This was India's ninth consecutive appearance in the SAFF Championship final in the last 20 years out of which they won six times.
As Igor Stimac's Blue Tigers lifted their third trophy of 2023 after winning the Tri-Nation Series and the Intercontinental Cup, Indian celebrities congratulated the national football team in number.
How did India react to the Indian football team's SAFF Championship win?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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. pic.twitter.com/DitI0NunmD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2023
BCCI general secretary Jay Shah
A nail biting finish sees the Blue Tigers triumph over Kuwait. A huge victory for Indian football as we are the 9 time champions of the SAFF.@IndianFootball#KUWIND #SAFFChampionship2023 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/wxtLZpuf1t
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 4, 2023
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar
What a phenomenal display of strength, determination and nerves of steel!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 5, 2023
Huge congratulations to #TeamIndia! 🇮🇳💙🏆⚽️#SAFFChampionship2023 pic.twitter.com/1i4wWN6z2i
Indian actor Mammootty
Congrats Team India for another historic SAFF Cup win. Proud of the entire team 👏#SAFFChampionship2023 #IndianFootball @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/mbzwFRYPLk
— Mammootty (@mammukka) July 4, 2023
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina
Congratulations to the phenomenal @IndianFootball Team on their triumphant #SAFFChampionship2023 victory! 🎉Dominating the field with skill, passion, and unity, they've once again proven why they are the CHAMPIONS! Keep soaring high making us proud! 🏆🙌 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/5DK1e0XT0h
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 5, 2023
Indian actor Ajay Devgn
Clutching the win at the penalties! A NAIL BITER FINALE. Congratulations #TeamIndia 👏 🇮🇳 A proud moment indeed.#SAFFChampionship2023 pic.twitter.com/zoZmCUeTWq
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) July 5, 2023
Indian actor and Chennaiyin FC co-owner Abhishek Bachchan
Huge congratulations to our #BlueTigers for dominating the #SAFFChampionship2023. You've made the nation proud with your remarkable performance! 💙🇮🇳@IndianFootball
— Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@juniorbachchan) July 4, 2023
What next for Indian football team?
The Indian football team will be next seen in action in September when they take part in the King's Cup in Thailand alongside Iraq and Lebanon.
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