Speaking to mediapersons, Padmashree awardee Bhaichung Bhutia said he will continue playing professional football till his ‘hunger’ and ‘enjoyment’ were fulfilled. He said he wanted to continue playing professional football as long as he enjoyed the game.
His close friend and JCT star Reneddy Singh has called him the reigning star of Indian football. “Baichung should continue as long as he remains fit,” Mr Singh told the reporters.
On being questioned how long he will continue to play professional football, Mr Bhutia, had this to say, “The hunger to attend every practice match at the football ground and win every match should be there. It also depends on the mentality.”
Bhutia, who is popularly known as the ‘Tinkitam Express’ has been playing for the Indian football team for the past 13 years and 15 years in club football. He said that things have now changed in the Indian football team.
A special exhibition match was also played in Gangtok between Baichung XI and Chirag United.
The Indian football team captain and his team mates Sunil Chettri and Rennedy Singh arrived in Sikkim along with NP Pradeep, Chritain Dias, Gurmindar. A grand reception was organised for Baichung at Rangpo. He was accorded a warm welcome by local NGOs, Club, Cheli Morcha, Rangpo youth and the members of the Sikkim Football Association.
The State Sports Minister, PS Goley was present at Rangpo Check post to welcome the Indian skipper. While presenting a felicitation letter, State HRDD Minister, GM Gurung gave a short detail of the committee work in the field of football and invited him to come to Rangpo for the Independence Day celebration this year to which Bhutia agreed if time permitted.
The Indian captain, who is here for the first time after being conferred with the Padmashree also visited his native village Tinkitam.

 

Yishey D