WATCH: Chants of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' reverberate at Sree Kanteerava Stadium following India's SAFF Championship triumph

India won SAFF Championship 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Team India's ongoing dominance has resulted in a stunning outcome as they win the record ninth SAFF Championship title, defeating Kuwait in the final. With the two teams tied 1-1 after 120 minutes, the summit clash went to penalties and Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's incredible save in sudden death lifted the hosts to a 5-4 victory.

There have been incidents in the past where stands have been noticed empty during India's football matches, causing captain Sunil Chhetri to appeal to fans to support and watch them. However, Indian football's talisman's plea was well accepted by the supporters, and the number of spectators in the stadium has risen since then.

The Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed the pinnacle of crowd support and a magnificent display of national pride on Tuesday (July 4) when India won the SAFF championship 2023. More than 26000 fans came out to cheer the Blue Tigers, and their favourites gave them exactly what they desired. In an electrifying atmosphere, the crowd enthusiastically started chanting 'Vande Mataram' from the song 'Maa Tujhe Salaam'.

Watch the video below: 

The Bengaluru crowd singing 'Vande Mataram' after India became SAFF Champions. pic.twitter.com/uufTHpciqO

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 4, 2023

Sunil Chhetri wins Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards

Talking about the match, Kuwait grabbed an early lead in the 14th minute when Abdullah Al Buloushi’s cross was smashed into the net by Shabaib Al-Khaldi. India had a chance to level the scoreline in the next few minutes but Chhetri could not connect the ball well. However, they drew 1-1 in the 38th minute, thanks to a great effort from the trio of Chhetri, Sahal Samad, and Lallianzuala Chhangte. Chhetri delivered an excellent pass to Samad, who then set up Chhangte's vital goal.

Neither team scored in the second half and extra time, leading the game to a penalty shootout. India took a 1-0 lead when Chhetri found the net in India's first attempt and Kuwait's Abdullah hit the crossbar. When the scoreline read 4-4, India’s Naorem Mahesh Singh's stunning effort in sudden death kept India in the game. Gurpreet held his nerve and stopped Kuwait’s skipper Khalid El Ebrahim’s shot to clinch the title for India.

The Indian captain was the tournament's top scorer (6) and also won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. "I'm so happy everyone chipped in. They are not an easy side to play against, and I'm so happy that we ended that tournament like this," Chhetri said after the match.