Crispin Chettri – The Pride of the Nation

Crispin Chettri, the head coach of the Indian National Womens’ Football Team was a part of United Kurseong Football Club (UKFC), and I have witnessed his growth and transformation as a player, coach, and a person – writes Dr. Binu Sundas

When I came home for my summer vacation, the foremost thing on my mind was to organize a long-overdue get-together with my friends, the founding members of United Kurseong Football Club (UKFC). This visit also coincided with the Indian Women’s Football team qualifying for the AFC-Asian Cup 2026, to be held in Australia. Like all football lovers in India, and especially in Darjeeling, I was following the matches keenly, hoping that India would qualify. Of particular interest to me was that the Coach of the Indian contingent was Shri. Crispin Chettri, a local Kurseong boy and a former UKFC player.

The crucial qualifying match against Thailand, a much higher-ranked team, would be a difficult one. However, Team India beat them convincingly and along with the commendable performance of our footballers, this credit must also go to the coach, Crispin. His bold moves, tactical genius, and clear-headed strategy helped achieve a milestone in Indian football. Prior to this India had not qualified on merit. The first time when the Indian Women’s Team played in the Women’s AFC- Asian Cup they were invited. The second time they were to participate was as a host in 2022, but unfortunately due to COIVD-19 the host had to pull out.

Crispin was a part of United Kurseong Football Club (UKFC), and I have witnessed his growth and transformation as a player, coach, and a person. Crispin was born to be a sportsman, and as a youngster he excelled at all team sports, be it cricket, volleyball, or basketball. When we first scouted him, he was immediately drafted into the club. He gradually adjusted to the rigorous practice sessions of UKFC and quickly became an integral part of the UKFC team. At the time, we knew that he was a remarkable footballer, but no one could have imagined that he would attain such heights. He was loved by all for his down-to-earth personality and the respect he showed to the UKFC players and staff. An important quality that led to his success is that Crispin has always been a keen observer of the game and open to input from his seniors. These qualities of humility, focus and, dedication took him places. While playing for UKFC, he was spotted by Shyam Thapa, the legend of Indian football, and was selected to join his academy. Since then, his growth has been phenomenal. Crispin went on to represent the biggest clubs of India and represented Bengal, Maharashtra, and Assam in the Santosh Trophy.

Even as a young footballer, Crispin has always had a clarity regarding his future, and this, along with his determination and dedication, has been instrumental in his success. Over the years, we kept hearing about his successes, but the humble guy that he is, Crispin never forgot his roots. He was constantly in touch with UKFC, training players when he was home, chalking out plans and strategies for the club to grow. He also contributes financially every month to the club, like all the founding members, and continues to be a part of the UKFC family.

Crispin holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences and is a licensed coach. With football coursing through his veins, he couldn’t simply cut off all ties with the game so today we see him in his role as the Head Coach of the Indian National Women’s Football Team. However, coaching a women’s sport in India is not an easy task. The players and coaches face challenges of patriarchy, limited infrastructure, and a conspicuous lack of support from the industries in the form of sponsorships. While other teams had their chefs and nutritionists, Crispin and his team faced difficulties as they were not accustomed to the food in Thailand. He had to approach the embassy and organise Indian food for the team. This was not part of his job, but his determination to do well and create history was of greater importance than his job profile. As always, this Gorkha son rose to the occasion, overcoming the obstacle and today, the Blue Tigress is heading to Australia.

Crispin’s achievement and contribution to the nation should be documented in the annals of Gorkha history. This beleaguered community has been fighting to establish its identity in India for a long time. Crispin’s achievement is historical not only for the nation but also for the Gorkha community. The Gorkha community of the country has to be thankful to Crispin for bringing the community into the imagination of the nation.

Thank you, Crispin, for making the Blue Tigress one of the 12 top teams in Asia and Australia, providing recognition to the Gorkha community, and representing UKFC. The qualification to the Women’s AFC Asian Cup has also brought Indian men’s football, which has been witnessing its share of difficulties and obstacles, into the limelight and has contributed directly as well as indirectly to resolving the issues. Your legacy, which you have built on determination, dedication, grit, passion, and love for the sport, will remain forever and inspire generations in the future.  Your achievement with the Indian Women’s Football team will always be remembered and enshrined in the history of Indian football.