Home Bhaichung future turf: Friends - Sikkim looks forward to player’s club

Gangtok, Aug. 25: Bhaichung Bhutia’s friends hope his next innings will be played in the home state to take United Sikkim to new heights now that he has hanged up his boots for international football.

United Sikkim Football Club is co-owned by Bhaichung, who announced his retirement from international matches in New Delhi yesterday.

Soccer aficionados feel Bhaichung has left a mark on and off the field and he will continue to be an inspiration for budding players.

“It was a right decision (to retire from international football). But I would have loved to see Bhaichung playing the friendly match against Pakistan in London and announce his retirement there. Injuries did not permit him to do so. He has contributed a lot to Indian football and I am proud of him. I am sure that all the people of Sikkim are proud of Bhaichung,” said Sikkim sports secretary Karma P. Bhutia.

Karma is Bhaichung’s mentor and had introduced him to professional club football in Calcutta when he was a teenager.

“Bhaichung’s next innings is to take United Sikkim Football Club to new heights. He can continue to play for his club and contribute to Indian football,” said Karma.

Sherap Lepcha, the childhood friend of the footballer, believes it would take a long time for someone to fit in Bhaichung’s shoes.

“We are sad. The Indian team will get a new captain but it will be very difficult for anyone to fit in his shoes. He had not only soccer skills but also glamour and star appeal that attracts youngsters to the sport. Bhaichung had that off-the-field charisma and to fill this gap, it will take a long time,” said Sherap, who had grown up playing football with Bhaichung. Both had played for East Bengal in 2001.

Sherap said United Sikkim was Bhaichung’s biggest contribution to football in Sikkim.

“In future, big clubs in the country will be coming to Gangtok to play when United Sikkim qualifies in the I-League. This will bring crowds back to the stadium and youngsters will be encouraged to play football. On personal note, Bhaichung has taken a huge risk by investing his hard-earned money in the club. This is his way of contributing to Indian football after retirement,” said Lepcha.

United Sikkim chief coach H. Stanly Rozario said the 34-year-old former Indian captain was an inspirational leader. “Bhaichung’s presence in the field is a motivation for the Indian players. He is an inspirational leader. India has lost a great captain for the national squad. We will miss Bhaichung in Indian football team,” he said.

On the brighter side, Rozario said Bhaichung would definitely make a mark as an administrator and player of United Sikkim. “He has now a new role in the Indian football, particularly at club levels. Bhaichung will spend more time with United Sikkim and his mission will be to help the club become a strong and professional team,” said Rozario.

Arjun Rai, who was asked by Bhaichung to join United Sikkim as a senior manager, endorsed the retirement call. Bhaichung calls Arjun Rai ‘daju’ (elder brother).

“Now, Bhaichung will be free for his club which he wants to make one of the best sides in Asia. He can also give time to his football schools in New Delhi. In future, he can also actively contribute for the development of Indian football and coach the national squad like Maradona and other great players,” said Rai.

United Sikkim captain Nim Tshering Lepcha is sad that his idol has retired from international football. Nim Tshering is a product of “search for more Bhaichungs” scheme of the Sikkim government launched in 1999.

“I feel sad to hear about my idol’s retirement from international football though it is a right decision taken at the zenith of his career. I feel that it is huge loss to Indian football as he is the main idol for upcoming footballers,” said Tshering.

The Telegraph