'Don’t dig up football field to lay cricket pitch’

KOCHI: A campaign demanding the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) shift the venue of the India-West Indies ODI in November from the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, and thereby avoid damaging the new grass turf, gained considerable steam on social media on Monday.The playing surface was renovated as part of the Rs 25-crore worth of refurbishment at the stadium ahead of the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. However, if the KCA decides to host the ODI there, the turf will have to be dug up to lay the cricket pitch. 

Footballers, including Kerala Blasters' Iain Hume and Vineeth C K, as well as celebrities like Shashi Tharoor MP and writer N S Madhavan reacted to the development after fans of the Kochi-based ISL club started the social media campaign using the hashtag #SaveKochiTurf. Hume posted on Instagram: "I was here for ISL 1 when they had 6-8 weeks to transform our field from a cricket to a football ground. They made great strides in doing so, but it was still some way off from being a field for top level football. The amount of time and money that has been spent since then to get the pitch to the standard it is now for the U-17 World Cup and ISL, it would be a travesty to tear it up for a one off cricket match." 

Hume, as well as Blasters fans, wondered why the KCA were resolute in hosting the ODI in Kochi when the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, which had hosted the India-New Zealand T20I last November, was available. "There's a ground in Trivandrum that is cricket specific. So why for the sake of one match rip up a pitch that has taken years to get to the standard as one of the best in the country?" the Canadian questioned.

India international Vineeth also blasted the move. "I believe that for sports to co-exist, it is important that they do not stop each other from growing. A lot of time, effort and money have gone into the football pitch at the JN Stadium. The stadium is one of only six in India that are approved by FIFA, a certification that will take immense effort and countless permissions to obtain again," Vineeth posted."When India has always been known for being a 'cricket crazy' nation, is it really necessary to dig up a football pitch to play a cricket match?" he wrote.

"Give the match to Trivandrum or get drop-in pitches, if viable. Stop vandalism," tweeted N S Madhavan.
Meanwhile, Tharoor took up the matter with the BCCI Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai. "Spoke to CoA Chief Vinod Rai to denounce KCA's bizarre decision to transfer the India-WI ODI from a match-ready Trivandrum to Kochi whose ground was last used for the U-17 Football World Cup. He has promised to review the matter. KCA motives highly suspect," Tharoor tweeted

-New Indian Express

Tiny Mizoram's success story is one rest of India should emulate

Abhishek Ganguly

KOLKATA: Loads of talent and hard work characterized Mizoram's triumph in the 68th Santosh Trophy. Long-term planning, infrastructure development, effective development programmes at the grassroots level and the introduction of the Mizoram Premier League (MPL), all contributed significantly to Mizoram's success in the National Football Championship, thereby making the state a force to reckon with in North-East's rich football heritage.

Mizoram Football Association (MFA) secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar reckons the MPL played a key role in transforming the state's football landscape. "Our triumph in the Santosh Trophy is a direct result of the MPL, which is now in its second season. We always had the talent but most of the players could not play regularly.

A few lucky ones got a break in I-League clubs but a significant number of equally good players had nowhere to showcase their talent. The MPL has given them that platform," said the 36-year-old Hmar, the man who is credited with ushering in a football revolution in Mizoram.

"Shortly after we took charge of the MFA three years ago, we put in place a system and a road map to take Mizoram football forward. We are delighted with the results. Our senior as well as junior teams have won the national championship. This is a golden year for Mizoram."

Hmar also credits the state government for supporting MFA's grassroots development programme, which has been declared by All India Football Federation as the best in the country. "The grassroots development programme that MFA has initiated in collaboration with the AIFF follows the FIFA model. Youngsters in the age-group of 6-12 are part of this programme."

Top Mizo players are already making their presence felt at many I-League clubs. Apart from the veteran S Malswamtluanga, the likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lalrindika Ralte and Robert Lalthlamuana too have made their mark. Many more will follow. "I believe what you are seeing now is just the tip of the iceberg," said Larsing Ming, the general secretary of Shillong Lajong FC, the first club from the N-E to feature in the I-League.

Lalbiakzuala, who was the manager of the Mizoram team in the Santosh Trophy and is the technical secretary of the MFA, sees a bright future for footballers from the state. "We are on the right track and if we can continue like this, Mizoram will soon dominate Indian football," he said.

However, for that to happen, Lalbiakzuala feels there is a need for a club from the state to qualify for the I-League. At present there are two I-League clubs from the North-East - Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC - and both are based in Shillong.

Asked how two clubs from Shillong managed to make it to the I-League, Larsing said, "Shillong is the educational hub of the N-E region and is a cosmopolitan city. The two clubs have nurtured talents from the region. In fact, there are quite a few Mizoram players playing for Lajong."

Mizoram club, Aizawl FC, is the best bet to make a foray into the country's elite club competition. "Mizoram has made it mark but the most difficult part starts now - to maintain it. Our aim now is to improve and be consistent," Hmar concluded.

Mizoram declares state holiday

AIZAWL: Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla has declared a state holiday on Wednesday to celebrate the state's history-making win.

As soon as the Mizoram players held aloft the glittering trophy in Siliguri, fans roared their approval and Mizoram's capital Aizawl erupted in ecstasy. Impromptu victory processions were taken out in various parts of the city and in many towns, and fans sang and danced on the streets till well after midnight.

A grand welcome awaits their heroes with Governor Vakkom B Purosothaman saying he would greet the team on their return. The Mizoram Football Association will hold a public reception in Aizawl.

The MFA is expecting around 70,000 fans at the AR Ground and are appealing to people of Aizawl and adjoining towns to gather at Lengpui airport to show their support.

-TOI

Bagan writes to AIFF

Looking to justify its action before the national body could pronounce a verdict on its decision to abandon the 10th round I-League match against East Bengal, Mohun Bagan sent a letter to the All India Football Federation saying it did everything keeping in mind the security of the team.

The club on Tuesday sent newspaper and video clippings of the match in support of its decision to quit midway after the first half’s action. The club has urged the AIFF to hear it before taking any decision. The AIFF is expected to take a decision before Bagan embarks on its 11th round match against Pailan Arrows on Saturday.

In its letter addressed to the AIFF president Praful Patel, Mohun Bagan pointed out that the club was forced to take the decision as the “law and order situation was not favourable” for the team to continue playing in the second half.

The AIFF is seeking legal opinion and having a close scrutiny of the I-League tournament regulations to ensure whether Mohun Bagan’s claim of imposing the “force-majeure”clause to bail itself out, would be applicable in this case.

The AIFF president, who is expected to take the final call on this sensitive issue, has indicated that a decision will be taken only after hearing every party involved with the match. 

The Hindu

Bagan abandons match citing security concerns

A match between Indian football’s biggest rivals ended controversially when the 10th round I-league encounter between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium was called off midway with the latter pulling out in protest.

A missile from the stands, where almost 80,000 supporters had gathered to watch the match, hit Mohun Bagan midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi on the head causing a bleeding injury. Mohun Bagan cited security concerns and refused to take the field after the break.

The side also submitted a letter detailing the reasons to the match commissioner Gulab Singh Chauhan, who waited for the team to return before announcing the abandonment.

East Bengal was leading by Harmanjot Khabra’s 42nd minute goal at the end of the first session. Trouble started when the referee showed Mohun Bagan striker Okolie Odafa the red card in the 44th minute for charging at him and making threatening gestures.

Immediately after the red card, a missile from the stands hit Nabi, who was given first aid at the ground and was rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

The player is reported to be stable and recovering. He is yet to be released from the hospital, where his condition is being monitored.

The match was held up from almost 10 minutes after Nabi was injured.

The two teams then played the remaining few minutes of the first half.

Sunando Dhar, the I-League CEO present at the stadium, said that the matter will be referred to the tournament committee which will study the reports of the match officials and decide on the fate of the match.

The decision is likely to be taken before Mohun Bagan’s next round match.

Mr. Dhar said that he personally did not feel there was any “law and order problem” which Mohun Bagan had cited as a reason for the injury to its player and the subsequent pulling out. 

-The Hindu

 

Bagan face a two-year ban: AIFF

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to ban Mohun Bagan for rest of the I-League this season and the next two years, a top AIFF official informed. An official announcement in this regard is likely by Saturday. Syed Rahim Nabi’s was hurt on Sunday by a stone thrown from the terraces after fans reacted angrily following Bagan skipper Odafa Okolie’s red card.

“The rule 22C clearly states that the minimum punishment for not continuing with the game is a two-year ban. Regulations cannot be changed, and if we do that we will set a bad precedent,” an AIFF office bearer told The Indian Express.

“The report we have received from the match commissioner also goes against them. Now they have to face the consequence,” he added.

The three-time champions may also have to pay a hefty fine should the title sponsor of the tournament and TV rights holder demand compensation from the Federation. East Bengal too are likely to be fined for the crowd disorder as the Sunday’s derby was their home match.

Bagan officials, however, are still maintaining that they were right in refusing to play the second half of the Sunday’s charged up I-League encounter against East Bengal.

“We took the decision because the security of our players were threatened. Team didn’t want to continue after Nabi was injured,” Bagan’s finance secretary Debashis Dutta said.

‘Not decide in haste’

Meanwhile, AIFF president Praful Patel said the federation is not going to take a final decision in a hurry. "We will not make a hasty decision as there could be long-term implications. Whatever has happened, will surely have a bad impact on football," Patel said.

“There will be proper hearing and we will try and get full information from all possible quarters possible before arriving at a decision. We will take police reports, our local sources' reports, media coverage reports and will also talk to players, match commissioner and the referees.

“But we can assure that we will not be bias towards anybody. We will look to take the right decision.”

-Indian Express

 

IM Vijayan rolls back years in second coming

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sizeable holiday crowd at University stadium had come to watch just one man. Never mind that he is 43, and making a comeback after a four-year hiatus. IM Vijayan still commands a huge fan following in Kerala, especially in Thiruvnanthapuram where he first made his mark as a footballer with Kerala Police.
The majority in the crowd - who were teenagers - had never seen him play but had heard enough of Vijayan's skills on the field and they roared in approval when he quietly got up to warm up before taking field against SBT in the final of the GV Raja All-India football tournament last Tuesday.

The 'fox in the box' showed glimpses of his greatness during his brief stay on the field. A flick on, a back heel or a deft pass - which invariably found space between the cluster of legs to land at the feet of the intended player - showed Vijayan hasn't lost any of his play-making ability.
One of the most feared strikers India has produced, Vijayan might have slowed down with age but at the poorly lit University stadium, he commanded respect from his rivals, many of whom were playing against him for the first time.
"We played without six of our main players and were playing our 10th match in two weeks. These youngsters are solid and promising too. I'm glad that I could play with such a talented team after so many years," said Vijayan soon after the final which the cops lost 1-5. A week ago Kerala cops had lost to Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, by a solitary goal in the final of the TFA Shield in Chennai.
"You know I cannot be off the field for a long time," Vijayan told TOI about his decision to re-join Kerala Police a couple of months ago. "I'm seriously into coaching. I will be based in Thrissur with the Kerala Police Academy. My life and soul will be for coaching kids, no doubt."
-TOI

Godfrey wants Air India to take flight post Durand win

MUMBAI: What's it about the whiff of nostalgia that transports people back in time to invariably light up lives and leave more than just a smile on faces? Black and white television sets, Polaroid cameras, the old Fiats, or the Durand Cup.

The sheen may have faded off the football tournament that saw its 125th edition conclude in New Delhi last week, but the sentiment doesn't change for Godfrey Pereira whose Air India team edged out fellow city club, Dodsal FC in a nervous shootout to emerge first-time victors.

For someone who is into his first stint as coach of a top-flight club, life certainly seems to have come a full circle. "I've won every trophy a player can win with a club spare this one," says the former India player glancing at the replica that sits pretty on his table at the club's Kalina office. "The closest I ever came to winning it was in 2000 with Mahindras when Mohun Bagan beat us 2-1 in the final. The trophy that I chased for years as a player, landed in my hands in my first tournament as coach," he says.

The argument that Air India's victory shouldn't be taken seriously as most of the top I-League teams skipped the tournament holds little water for Pereira. "There were teams like Pune FC and Sporting Clube de Goa participating. We didn't have anything easy. At the end of the day, a Durand Cup win is a Durand Cup win," he says.

Call it a curse, horrible timing or simply fate taking the fun out of your moment of glory, Air India's exploits were didn't receive the right publicity because of the national team making it a hattrick of Nehru Cup titles at a stadium just 15kms away. But the club is at peace with being shortchanged when it comes to coverage in the media. "We'd love to have a little more noise being made about our triumph but we're happy to let the national team hog the limelight. They totally deserved it," says Pereira, who, like most Air India coaches in the past, has the unenviable task of rebuilding the team from scratch this season.

The club lost as many as 15 players to rivals after their 9th place finish in the ILeague last season and Pereira will be following past coaches when he smiles, shrugs and starts assembling the jigsaw yet again. He also wants to make the club play in a style that attracts the management's largesse and changes Air India's image of merely an ideal feeder club. "This situation is as challenging and frustrating. The exodus of good players leaves us disappointed, but also makes us want to drive home a point by fighting it out with limited resources."

It's not every other season that Air India walks home triumphant from a tournament. While the Durand Cup win is special, Pereira wants to make sure his boys get over it and focus on the long season ahead. "We're a team with very little resources and we can't afford to rest on our laurels. There's the Federation Cup and then the I-League. We want to finish in the top half of the table."

While Air India may not be able to indulge on their players like most clubs, the least they could do was give the team a week off from training for their Durand triumph. There are a few things that money can't buy and Air India are grateful for that.

-TOI

70 % youth trainees found overage by AIFF

Seventy per cent of boys called for an under-14 camp held by the All India Football Federation at

Kalyani in West Bengal were found to be overage with some of them as old as 17 years.

“This has been prevalent for long. The state associations need to be more serious,” said Colm Joseph Toal, Head Coach, Youth Development of AIFF, during the five-day coaching seminar in progress at Navi Mumbai.

“Just look what happened in the camp in Kalyani,” he said, shaking his head.

With a vision to get boys for the four regional academies, the federation had, since September 2011, scouted over 170 boys from various age-group tournaments, U-14 fests and open trials conducted across the length and breadth of the country by AIFF's Technical Director Rob Baan and Scott O'Donell, TD of the federation's regional and elite academies.

The selected U-14 boys were then kept in a camp in Kalyani for over a month after which the list was filtered to final 120. But when medically tested, 84 out of 120 were found overage. The camp was for U-14 boys but some of them were found to be even over 17, the AIFF said.

“It seems, we just need to conduct tests almost everyday. The money went waste, the effort and energy went waste, it's so much frustrating and discouraging for the development of the sport in the country," Toal lamented.

Baan asked the coaches to find at least one promising young boy of the right age-group.

“All of you need to make me a promise. Promise me, all of you will come back to me within a month with a kid who you believe has the potential to play for India in the future,” he told the 65 coaches attending the seminar.

“You are my scouts. By now, you ought to know as to what kind of player I am looking for. Can You? Promise me,” Baan asked.

“You can even give me more than one boy. We will have a trial for the kid and if we find him good enough, we will enrol him," Baan added.

The issue of age-fudging has been making the rounds almost every day during the coaching seminar, leading to the conclusion that the launching of the AIFF Academies had to be delayed.

“But they stay on track. We have to have them and we will,” O'Donell said.

The second AIFF regional academy is all set to be launched in Bangalore in September and the next one at Pailan World School in Kolkata later this year.

“Open trials are not a realistic approach. In Kolkata, we had over 1,000 boys appearing for the trials. It's hard to handle that much of a lot," felt O'Donell.

According to AIFF's medical consultant Dr Manabendra Bhattacharya, who is also attending the seminar, age verification is a complicated process.

“This is rampant across all age groups and all sports. But how do you stop it. Of course, we can determine it by tests; tests which reveal the dental age, secondary sexual characters and the bone age,” he informed the participants.

-Indian Express

Sunil Chhetri joins Sporting Lisbon

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has joined Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Announcing this at a press conference here on Friday, Aureliano Neves, club vice-president, said this was the first step towards the club’s initiative to develop football in India.

“India has a large young population and there is scope for development,” said Neves, while stressing that his club was keen to work with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to develop the sport at the grassroots level.

An emotional Chhetri, who was handed a club jersey, said he would try to make the most of the opportunity. “I will never forget this in my lifetime. I am playing for a nation which is ranked 156th and now I will play in a country which is No. 5, and for one of the best clubs in the world,” said the diminutive striker.

“I am not going to lose this opportunity. I will leave no stone unturned. When I will be a 40-year-old, I will be able to say that I gave whatever was humanely possible for me,” said Chhetri.

The official website of the Sporting Clube de Portugal, also known as Sporting Lisbon, claimed that “Chhetri will join the club’s reserve side.” However, Neves said the decision would rest with the coaches.

Even though Chhetri will play for the Portuguese outfit in the next season, there is a possibility of the contract being extended. Chhetri, who will turn 28 next month, will leave for Lisbon in a week or two as the Portuguese season starts on July 15.

Welcoming the development, AIFF president Praful Patel said: “it is a milestone for Indian football. Sunil will play with some top players of the world.” 

-The Hindu

Chhetri, Lisbon deal: a mutual benefit

“The club has officially opened its doors to the Indian market,” read a statement on Sporting Lisbon’s official website after the former Portuguese champions announced the signing of India captain Sunil Chhetri.

There’s no doubt of an underlying financial interest on the part of Sporting Lisbon as they make their foray into the Indian market. Chhetri, who played for Mohun Bagan in the I-League last season, penned a two-year deal with Sporting on Thursday and will initially play for their reserve side in the second division. He will fly out to the Iberian country in two weeks’ time.

The signing, evidently, is not based on pure footballing reasons. The former Portuguese champions admitted as much. “We have reached out to Indian football, a market estimated by FIFA contain more than 20 million players, and in this context, Sunil Chhetri, captain of the Indian national team and an idol in that country, who symbolises the dreams of all young players who aspire to play in Europe, will join the roster of the ‘B’ team,” the club said in a statement.

Sporting Lisbon, who reached the semifinals of the Europa League last season and finished fourth in their domestic league, are going through a severe financial crisis. It is learnt that the club’s president Luiz Godinho Lopez was in India last month to meet potential investors. With Chhetri as Sporting’s face in India, the club has already lined up several commercial activities.

Considering that the football market in India is growing by the day, the deal makes perfect business sense for them. To attract more sponsors, the club is also planning to tie-up with a broadcaster to telecast their ‘B’ team matches live in India as well as China.

This is not to undermine Chhetri’s abilities and the enormity of this development. The deal makes him only the second Indian after Baichung Bhutia to ply his trade in Europe. It’s also a fitting reward for the striker’s perseverance. If anything, it’s his opportunity to make amends for a rather disappointing spell in USA’s Major League Soccer, where he played for Sporting Kansas City.

With 33 goals in 58 appearances for India, the diminutive striker can hope of getting more playing time than he did in the MLS as he will be featuring in the ‘B’ squad, which plays in the second division (called Liga de Honra). “I don’t know what I will achieve there but I will work as hard as I can. I will work hard to the extent that I don’t have to regret later,” the 27-year-old said.

That he will be playing in the second division in Portugal shouldn’t act as a spoiler. The ‘B’ side is the stepping stone to the club’s main team. If Chhetri manages to impress the club with his performances, a decision will be made on whether he should be promoted to the main squad. Also, the playing standard in a professional league of a country ranked fifth in the world will surely be better than that in India, ranked 163. “I want to see where I stand...want to grab it with both hands. I can’t let go this opportunity,” he said.

 -DNA INDIA

Shillong Lajong tie up with NRI-owned Danish club

NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Indian football, a multi-national corporation owned by a non-resident Indian, on Wednesday announced the acquisition of stakes in I-League club Shillong Lajong FC.

Anglian Holdings, an NRI-owned MNC with diverse global investments, including in sports, will facilitate transfer and exchange of knowledge and expertise between Shillong Lajong and Denmark first division side FCV Vikings at the player and coach levels.

The MNC founded by its current chairman Uday Narang, an Indian entrepreneur who has lived and worked in United States and Europe for the last 25 years, had recently announced its investment in FCV Vikings. It aims to set up a world-class academy in India with technical expertise from Europe.

The investments in the two clubs are intended to provide a channel for Indian footballers to train with and eventually showcase their skills across the world at the right level, the company said.

Dhruv Ratra, CEO Sports and Marketing, Anglian Holdings said, "Our association with football stems from our deep-rooted passion for the sport that all of us at Anglian share, coupled with the desire of seeing Indians compete and do well at the highest levels. We would be actively looking at scouting, training and promoting Indian football talent, using Shillong Lajong FC and FCV Vikings as channels to take Indian football to the world.

"We are extremely grateful to Shillong Lajong FC and FCV Vikings for providing us with the opportunity to work together in this endeavor," he said.

Commenting on the alliance, Shillong Lajong General Secretary Larsing Ming Sawyan said, "We are delighted that Anglian Holdings has come forward to support Lajong and we believe that it is a step in the right direction as far as Indian football is concerned. We are also appreciative of FCV Vikings and are confident their expertise and training knowhow will help Lajong players to take their game to next level." 

-TOI

I-League: Shillong Lajong sell 25% stake to a Dubai firm

The north eastern club are the first Indian club to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

  

Anglian Holdings, an NRI owner multi-national corporation, acquired 25% stake in Shillong Lajong, an I-League club currently placed tenth on the table.

Lajong have also joined hands with Denmark’s FC Vestsjælland, who are so to say a sister club with Anglian Holdings being the shareholder.

“We want to set an example in Indian football through our youth development programmes. We want players from our academy to shape the future of Indian football,”  Larsing Ming, the general secretary of Lajong said.

“We have long-term plans with both clubs. We want to see young Indians being capable of competing at the highest level,” Dhruv Ratra, CEO of the company’s sports and marketing division said.

“We will be actively engaged in scouting, training and promoting football talent, using Lajong and FCV as channels to take Indian football to the world,” added Ratra.

Goal 

Salgaocar lift Federation Cup

Karim Bencherifa proved he was the best coach in India at the moment, outwitting counterpart Trevor Morgan in the Federation Cup final between Salgaocar and East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday. The 3-1 scoreline, which helped I-League champions Salgaocar complete a double, also showed that on a level playing field, the Goans have currently no competitors.

From an I-League second division outfit three years ago, this victory marks the complete turnaround for the club. In the process they became only the fourth Indian club — after Mohun Bagan, Dempo SC and Mahindra United — to achieve the distinction.

On Thursday, Bencherifa had the match in his pocket inside the first 19 minutes. Chidi Edeh opened the scoring with an excellent piece of work that left East Bengal defence flatfooted before Francis Fernandes made it 2-0. Alan Gow, however, brought back some cheer for the East Bengal fans when he scored from the spot after Penn Orji was fouled inside the area. But the red-and-golds were never in the game. 

Morgan started with an unfit Mehtab Hossain and when the Player of the Year limped off the field within five minutes, the East Bengal played Sanju Pradhan in a position he wasn’t used to.

Bencherifa’s tactic, on the other hand, was simply to play on the counter. With East Bengal’s defence looking iffy against incessant counters from Salgaocar, goalkeeper Sandip Nandy misjudged a cross from the right in the 66th minute to hand Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka a simple opportunity to complete the scoring.

-Indian Express

Bhutia brings down the curtain on his international career

Baichung Bhutia chose to make a graceful exit from football on an emotional note, saying that he had “no regrets” about anything to do with the game.

A GRACEFUL EXIT: At the press conference announcing his retirement, Baichung Bhutia said he was leaving the game in good hands, and that he had no regrets over anything to do with the game. Photo: R.V. Moorthy

Announcing his retirement from international football, Bhutia said here on Wednesday that he would continue to play for his club (Sikkim United) and share his experience with youngsters.

Present on the occasion were Bhutia's first captain, Tanumoy Bose, JCT coach Sukhwinder Singh and “close friend” Renedy Singh.

Having scored 42 goals in 107 international appearances spread over 16 years, Bhutia enjoyed respect and admiration of his colleagues and fans.

The decision to retire was prompted by constant injuries in the past year. He was picked for the upcoming tour of England, but a calf-muscle injury has grounded him.

“It has been quite a frustrating nine months. In life, sometimes you don't get what you want. I couldn't play the World Cup but hope that I get to see India play at the highest level in my lifetime. It's sad I will not be playing for India, but then one can't keep playing.

“Personally, it was a great honour for me to have represented India,” said Bhutia.

Reflecting on his career, Bhutia said, “I enjoyed every bit of it. There were some difficult moments, but I have no complaints against anyone (coaches and administrators). I was lucky to have played alongside some great players.”

Looking ahead, Bhutia noted: “Indian football is moving in the right direction and needs support from all quarters. (Sunil) Chettri and Jeje (Lalpekhlua) are very good. But we need many more like them, some superstars.”

The veteran, who made his debut as a substitute in the 1995 Nehru Cup in Calcutta, did not agree that his exit would be a setback to the Indian team.

“Players come and go. We need better players than Baichung Bhutia. We have enough talent but need effective grassroots programmes and work on the infrastructure.”

Current lot more professional

Bhutia gave credit to the current generation of footballers. “In terms of talent, the era of (I.M.) Vijayan and (Jo Paul) Ancheri was better, but the current lot is more professional. I am convinced Vijayan could have played for any club in the world but the players in that era were not so professional. The current lot is more dedicated,” he said.

Assessing the domestic structure, Bhutia, 34, noted: “The level of competition has improved. The fact that players from Bengal are venturing out means there is competition. The challenge to clubs from Bengal is bigger now and that is good for the game in the country. The players have more options now.”

Asked about his most cherished moments, Bhutia said: “Qualifying for the Asia Cup was very special. The last three-four years were memorable. We played some good football and won tournaments.”

He was the most valuable player in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup held in Delhi.

What about the worst moments? “Every defeat. (They all) hurt.”

He also singled out the 6-1 defeat to Japan in the 2006 World Cup qualifier as the most forgettable moment of his playing career.

The All India Football Federation Secretary-General, Kushal Das, wished him well and promised to seek Bhutia's support and guidance in the development programmes at all levels.

-The Hindu 

Here's why Indian football should thank Bhutia

>> In a country obsessed with cricket, Baichung Bhutia is perhaps the only footballer to have carved a niche for himself among sport-lovers.

Former India coach Bob Houghton of England even compared him to one of cricket's biggest stars, Sachin Tendulkar.


Baichung Bhutia
pic/afp
>> The lone Indian and one of few international footballers to have played more than 100 matches for his country. Bhutia donned the national jersey 107 times.   

>> He is India's highest scorer with 42 international goals.

>> First Indian in post-independence era to ply his trade in Europe, where he played for English Div II side FC Bury from 1999 to 2002. He led the way for other Indian footballers to follow suit with his younger strike partner Sunil Chhetri thereafter playing for US MLS side Kansas City Wizards, while the likes of Subrata Paul, Gouramangi Singh, Anwar Ali and Steven Dias appeared for trials for clubs abroad. 

>> He's been the global face of Indian football, having rubbed shoulders with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Michael Ballack, Fabio Cannavaro, etc in the 'Goal 4 Africa' charity fund raiser in Africa in 2008.

>> He was one of the nominees for 2008's Best Asian Player by Arabic magazine 'Super'. 

>> He's an Arjuna Awardee ('98) & Padma Shri ('08) 

>> Baichung led India to the SAFF Championships thrice, two Nehru Cup titles (2007 & 2009) and 2008 AFC Challenge Cup which gave India the right to play in the Asian Cup this year for the first time since 1984.  

- Mid-day