The Untold Struggles Behind India’s Football Legend ft. Sunil Chhetri

In our pookiest episode, Sunil Chhetri sits down with Sania Mirza for a conversation that goes beyond the football field. He opens up about the pressures of early fame, the day he almost quit after being heckled and hit with bottles at 17, and the scary ways in which he deals with failure - all while reflecting on the discipline, mischief-filled childhood, and his mother’s tough love that shaped him into India’s most celebrated football captain.

Serving It Up With Sania is a relaxed podcast hosted by global sports icon Sania Mirza. Each episode features unscripted conversations as Sania and her guests—athletes, influencers, and friends explore resilience, identity, parenthood, and societal norms.

It’s spontaneous and bold, offering insights and truths that rarely make it past PR. Serving It Up With Sania is where real stories take centre court.

Unscripted. Unfiltered. And always engaging.

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00:00 – 1:36 – Cold Open
1:37 – 4:01 – Pickleball Showdown with Sania and Sunil
4:02 – 9:58 – Picture Round: Family, Football & Memories
9:59 – 15:36 - Growing Up with a Competitive Mom
15:37 – 20:51 - Mohun Bagan Entry & the Real Struggle Begins
20:52 – 26:10 - Lessons from Coaches & the Support System
26:11 – 29:55 - The Arjuna Award & Leading as Captain
29:56 – 32:24 - Sunil’s Message to Fans
32:25 – 37:22 - Retirement, Mental Health & Dark Days
37:23 – 44:02 - Love, Marriage & Fatherhood
44:03 – 49:22 - Rapid Fire with Sunil Chhetri