Gangtok, Sept. 1: Accolades for Bhaichung Bhutia have been pouring in from his home state Sikkim after India lifted the Nehru Cup twice in a row — thanks to a well organised effort by the national football skipper.
Yesterday’s win was an icing on the cake for Bhaichung after having won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 and his personal achievement of playing 100 international matches donning India’s jersey.
People in Gangtok watched with bated breath the homeboy lead a strong defence against a tough Syrian side and defeat the visitors in a sudden death by 6-5 goals.
Since morning, the intense final match was the talk of the town. The discussion was all the more exciting as the win comes just before the Governor’s Gold Cup, the annual football extravaganza of Sikkim.
The Tashi Namgyal Academy Alumni Association — Bhaichung was a student of the school — hopes that the skipper will be awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. “Bhaichung’s 102 appearances for India deserve special accolades. The association hopes and prays that he be conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for his distinguished contribution to Indian Football,” the association said in a release.
Bhaichung’s home outfit, the United Sikkim Sporting Club, too, has come forward to pat its chief patron. “Everyone is proud of him and his team-mates for retaining the trophy for the country. The hard work has paid. He has not only made Sikkim proud but also done great service to the nation. We wish the team further success in the days to come,” Sherap Lepcha, Bhaichung’s close friend and the club’s chief coach, told The Telegraph.
Just two matches before the Nehru Cup final, Bhaichung reached the 100-match milestone in his chequered career.
Chief minister Pawan Chamling had congratulated Bhaichung after the national football skipper achieved the feat. “Bhaichung Bhutia is a role model. He is the pride of Sikkim and the entire nation,” Chamling said. He added that his government had already named a stadium in South district, from where the skipper comes, after Bhaichung. “We need more Bhaichungs.”
The Sikkim Football Association (SFA), which organises the All India Governor’s Gold Cup Tournament every year, has also hailed Bhaichung’s achievement. “We extend our congratulations to him. We are really proud of him,” Menla Ethanpa, the general secretary of the SFA, had said after the footballer brought the laurel.
The SFA has been felicitating Bhaichung every time the footballer achieves something. The association organised a special exhibition match at Paljor Stadium here last year when Bhaichung played against a Calcutta club, Ethenpa said
