Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Sunil Chhetri dedicated the SAFF Championship win to the people of Manipur.
Fact
Chhetri’s media representative clarified that he has not made any such statement.
Following India’s historic win at the SAFF Championship 2023, several social media users asserted that team’s captain and legendary footballer Sunil Chhetri has dedicated the victory to the people of Manipur. They alleged that Chhetri said, “This win is dedicated to my people in Manipur, Manipur loves football and it pains me to see what’s happening there, I hope Manipur unitedly celebrates this win.” Newschecker found that the footballer has not made any such statement.
Multiple social media users lauded Chhetri for dedicating the SAFF Championship win to the state embattled with ethical violence. A few even shared a news clipped from Hindi Daily Live Hindustan carrying the viral statement in Hindi.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Old Video From Myanmar Shared To Show Assault & Killing Of Kuki Woman In Manipur
Fact Check/Verification
A keyword search for “Sunil Chhetri” “SAFF Win” and “Manipur” on Google did not yield any credible news reports attributed the viral statement to the footballer.
Following this, we skimmed through the Instagram and Twitter handles of Chhetri which were devoid of any such statement either. The most recent posts on Chhetri’s account can be seen below.
Also Read: Manipur Violence – Video Falsely Claims Kukis Looted Cloth Shop Owned By Meiteis
The official Twitter account of the All India Football Federation and the Indian Football Team did not carry any such remark by Sunil Chhetri after the SAFF win as well.
We reached out to Kunaal Majgaonkar, the media representative for Sunil Chhetri, who clarified that Chhetri has not made any such statement, and the viral quote has been falsely attributed to him.
Also Read: 2020 Video Uploaded By Gamer Falsely Linked To Manipur Violence
Conclusion
We could thus conclude that the viral statement was falsely attributed to Sunil Chhetri.
Result: False
Sources
Official Instagram and Twitter Accounts Of Sunil Chhetri
Telephonic Conversation With Kunaal Majgaonkar, Media Rep For Sunil Chhetri On July 6, 2023
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
