India beat Kenya 2-0 to lift the Intercontinental Cup 2018 at the Mumbai Football arena on Sunday. After skipper Sunil Chhetri’s passionate appeal to fans urging them to come and support the team, the fans rallied and turned up in huge numbers to #BackTheBlue - a hashtag that has been trending for some time to support the boys in blue.
The victory on Sunday was orchestrated by Chhetri himself as he scored twice, in the 7th and 28th minute. Kenya mounted a few strong attacks in the second half but were unable to score.
Following the victory, several celebrities took to Twitter to shower their wishes.
Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar said: “Splendid performance from the #MenInBlue. Keep it up, @chetrisunil11 and the @IndianFootball team. You guys totally deserved this victory. Our support will always continue to be with you. #INDvKEN"
Splendid performance from the #MenInBlue. Keep it up, @chetrisunil11 and the @IndianFootball team. You guys totally deserved this victory. Our support will always continue to be with you. #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/JxKYVlF8Ej
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 10, 2018
Actor Abhishek Bachchan who was also present at the stadium to watch the final said: “Champions!!!! Well done @IndianFootball for a great win. And well done to the supporters that turned up and sang throughout. Unbelievable atmosphere!"
Champions!!!!
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) June 10, 2018
Well done @IndianFootball for a great win.
And well done to the supporters that turned up and sang throughout. Unbelievable atmosphere!
Actor Ranveer Singh also congratulated the team: "So proud of the boys in blue! Took it all the way ! @chetrisunil11 leading from the front and bringing glory to @IndianFootball ! Brilliant ! #Champions #JaiHind #INDvKEN"
So proud of the boys in blue! Took it all the way ! @chetrisunil11 leading from the front and bringing glory to @IndianFootball ! Brilliant ! #Champions #JaiHind #INDvKEN
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 10, 2018
Virender Sehwag also congratulated the team and said: “Thank you @chetrisunil11 for giving the country so much to cherish. You were inspirational, and I am sure this #IntercontinentalCup victory will help in ensuring that you guys play in a jam packed stadium. Congratulations @IndianFootball #INDvKEN"
Thank you @chetrisunil11 for giving the country so much to cherish. You were inspirational and I am sure this #IntercontinentalCup victory will help in ensuring that you guys play in a jam packed stadium . Congratulations @IndianFootball #INDvKEN pic.twitter.com/WADgZEd5rl
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 10, 2018
Kerala Blasters star and former Bengaluru FC teammate of the skipper, CK Vineeth tweeted:” Champions, @IndianFootball! What a way to bounce back and win the title. Congratulations to the team, the management and everyone involved. #INDvKEN #Champions”
Champions, @IndianFootball! What a way to bounce back and win the title. Congratulations to the team, the management and everyone involved. #INDvKEN #Champions pic.twitter.com/RZaVmZ3xe9
— CK Vineeth (@ckvineeth) June 10, 2018
Former minister Praful Patel was also present at the stadium to witness the final. He tweeted:
“Tons of Congratulations to skipper @chetrisunil11 and the entire team for the big win.@IndianFootball #INDvKEN #BackTheBlue #football #IndianFootball #India #IntercontinentalCup2018”
Tons of Congratulations to skipper @chetrisunil11 and the entire team for the big win.@IndianFootball #INDvKEN #BackTheBlue #football #IndianFootball #India #IntercontinentalCup2018 pic.twitter.com/sV3X23aIhi
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) June 10, 2018
Also praising the win was Malayalam superstar Mohanlal who tweeted: “Cheers to @IndianFootball Team for the Inter Continental Cup 2018 and Congrats @chetrisunil11 for the record . Team India .Proud Moment”
Cheers to @IndianFootball Team for the Inter Continental Cup 2018 and Congrats @chetrisunil11 for the record . Team India Proud Moment#IndianFootball #INDvKEN
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) June 11, 2018