Playing matches, regardless of how much you train, is essential for player development: Sunil Chhetri, captain of Team India

As the teams compete on the final day of the RFDL season, Sunil Chhetri had kind words to say about the Blues and the other semifinalists

(Football news) The RFDL’s reigning champions are Bengaluru FC. In the Reliance Corporate Park, they will take on Sudeva Delhi FC in an attempt to defend their title. They narrowly defeated ATK Mohun Bagan in a nail-biting penalty shootout that followed a 1-1 tie at the end of normal.

Chhetri applauded the Blues for reaching their second straight RFDL championship game. More importantly, he emphasised the increased level of competitiveness and the larger number of participating teams this time around.

After completing the regional qualifying rounds and the National Group Stage matches, the four semifinalists advanced to the National Championship. The regionals featured more than 250 matches played amongst more than 50 teams from across the nation.

“Second consecutive final at the RFDL, well done boys, well done!”, he said for the BFC team.

He added, “I want to congratulate all the teams that participated. I want to congratulate the organisers for doing a great job. I got a glimpse of few matches and they were outstanding. What a chance for young boys, to firstly develop and for others who didn’t get a chance I the I-League, ISL or the main team, to come over here and keep playing games. We all know no matter how much you train, playing matches are vital for the development of a pla

The importance of the greater game-time coming through this league has been touched upon by several former players and coaches of the participating clubs as well. Now, this issue has gotten the backing of one of the most prominent faces of Indian football and the sporting landscape in the country in general.

The second season of the RFDL kicked off on March 6 and matches have been cohesively conducted all across the country. Chhetri praised the organisers for ensuring a seamless process for the same and encouraged them to carry on the promising work.

“On that front, the organisation and everyone involved in the league, well done! Congratulations and keep up the good work!” Chhetri signed off.

Also read: ATK Mohun Bagan defeats RFYC in a convincing victory