The Indian national football team posted a 3-0 win over Maldives in the international friendly between the sides at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday as legendary skipper Sunil Chhetri returned to international action on a happy note. Goals from Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco and Chhetri helped the Blue Tigers register a resounding win over the Red Snappers as Shillong witnessed its first bit of international action. Chhetri, who called time on his international career last year, made a U-turn on his decision and made his return to the international fold at the request of head coach Marquez. India started the game off on a positive note as they went attacking the altar right from the offing and troubled the Maldivians time and again early doors. The pressure yielded dividends in the 34th minute of the game as Rahul powered a header past a hapless opposition goalkeeper to send the home faithful into delirium at the JL in Shillong, which hosted its very first international football game. India had a couple of chances to extend their lead ahead of the break, but some good work by the Maldivian keeper kept the Red Snappers in the game as the referee called time on the first half with the hosts holding a slender lead. India started the second half in the same ilk as they did the first as Chhetri had a header cleared off the line as the icon was made to wait for his 95th international goal. Colaco, who was electric on the field all day saw his shot thwarted by the Maldivian custodian before he doubled India’s lead from yet another corner as he headed it into the net for his first goal in national colours. India added a coat of sheen to the win as Chhetri eventually got his due when he headed a ball past the goalkeeper off a Colaco cross from the left to get his name on the scoresheet on return to repay Marquez’s faith in him. The friendly against Maldives served as a tune-up game ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers fixture against neighbours Bangladesh as the Blue Tigers look to seal their berth in the event slated to be held in Saudi Arabia.