E Arun
Port Blair, May 17: The football icon of India Baichung Bhutia is in town and today football lovers of these Islands got a rare chance to meet the football legend Baichung Bhutia at Netaji Stadium.
Baichung, the most famous and popular Football player India has ever produced, arrived today along with a 17 member team from Sikkim to promote football and also to boost the morale of the football enthusiast in these islands. While interacting with the youths on the occasion, Baichung shared about his life and his long journey in football till his retirement.
The Football icon said that one should work hard individually to achieve goal and should not depend on department or government for help. He gave his own example about how he worked hard since childhood and reached to this height. Bhutia, who joined SAI Sikkim in his early days, said that he too played Subroto Cup Football and recalled the names of top Island players whom he met during the tournaments held in New Delhi.
To a query, Baichung said better infrastructure at grass root level is needed for the upliftment of football in India. He said there is no dearth of talent in our country and described Sunil Chetri as the most talented and promising player as on date.
Special training for the football coaches of our country at foreign countries is the need of the hour to upgrade the quality and skills of our players and if, this happens then there is no doubt that India will qualify in World Cup, the Star Footballer said.
When asked about his favorite player Baichung said every favorite player keep on changing so I cannot name a single player as my favorite.
Turning to these islands, Baichung said these islands have also produced some promising players who have brought laurels not only for these islands but the country as a whole. While mentioning the name of young cyclist Deborah who won medal in the international level, Baichung said youths from these islands must take inspirations from the success stories of these sportspersons.
When asked whether he is interested to promote his children towards football, Baichung, father of three children, said that he will be a proud father if, his children opts for football and plays for India.
