Nirmal Chettri

Nirmal Chettri (born 21 October 1990 in Melli, Sikkim) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a defender.

Club career

Early career Chettri began his footballing career in 2000 with Namchi Sports Hostel after being discovered in the Sikkim governments Search for More Bhaichung's campaign (In reference to then India striker and Sikkimese-born Baichung Bhutia). In 2002 Chettri played for Namchi in the Subroto Cup where he led the team to the final, only to lose to Mizoram 1–2. During a friendly match against FC Bayern Munich under 23s at Barasat, their manager Gerd Müller praised Chettri saying that "East Bengal's number three (Nirmal Chettri) was brilliant". Chettri replied to this by saying, "I am delighted with his (Gerd Muller) compliment as he was such a great player. It is always good to get such praise from great players but I will not get carried away and will work hard as I have a long way to go." He has established himself as a regular in East Bengal's first team sense. He made a dream debut in the green & maroon jersey scoring McDowell Mohun Bagan's opening goal in their 6–0 thrashing of West Bengal Police in the Calcutta Premier Division.

Chettri made his professional debut for Mohun Bagan on 20 September 2012 against Churchill Brothers during the club's opening match in the 2012 Indian Federation Cup where the club drew the match 0–0. On 12 May 2013 in the last match of the 2012-13 I-League, he was assisted by Denson Devadas on the 5th minute to score the 1st goal in the 3–0 victory over United Sikkim F.C. at the Paljor Stadium.

Mohammedan On 26 November 2013 it was announced that Nirmal has signed for Mohammedan on loan from IMG RELIANCE.

Kerala Blasters Kerala blasters have picked Nirmal for the upcoming ISL football league.

Dempo (loan) After the 2014 season, Chettri signed with Dempo in the I-League on loan for the whole season.

FC Goa Ahead of the 2018–19 season, Chettri was signed by FC Goa.

International career

Youth Chettri has earned caps for the India youth team at U17 and U23 level. Chettri also trained with the Under-14 team in Jharkhand in 2003 and 2004. Nirmal missed his penalty and Maldives missed their penalties 3 times.

Senior Chettri made his senior international debut for India during the 2011 SAFF Championship against Bhutan on 5 December 2011, India won the match 5–0. Chettri then proceeded to play in India's next 4 games in the tournament which ended with the Final against Afghanistan on 11 December 2011 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The game ended 4–0 in India's favour, thus giving Chettri his first major honour with the senior national team. Chettri was then selected in the India squad for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. During the tournament Chettri only played in one match and that was the last match against North Korea on 13 March 2012. India lost the match 0–4 but that did not matter as India was knock-out at the Group stage before the match. Nirmal has been a regular under new India coach Wim Koevermans also and played an important role in India's Nehru Cup 2012 triumph.

International

Statistics accurate as of 9 April 2015

Honours

East Bengal Federation Cup (India): 2009, 2010; runner-up: 2011 Calcutta Premier Division: 2010, 2011 Indian Super Cup: 2011

Mohammedan Sporting IFA Shield: 2014

Kerala Blasters Indian Super League runner-up: 2014

FC Goa Indian Super League runner-up: 2018–19 Indian Super Cup: 2019

India SAFF Championship: 2011; runner-up: 2013 Nehru Cup: 2012

India U23 SAFF Championship: 2009

Personal life Chhetri is of Nepali origin.