Former India football captain Baichung Bhutia talks to Joe Williams on various aspects of football including the deferred Indian Super League and his interests in politics. Excerpts:
You have been always been supportive of Indian Super League, which has been postponed. What is your take on this league?
It would make a world of difference to Indian football. Unfortunately, it has been postponed. I hope it sees the light of day as many youngsters would get to play with big stars from around the globe.
What do you think went wrong?
There was a response from Reliance and there were people working round the clock. Unfortunately, there was nobody to lead from the front. They had set up a date in January 2014 but nothing was in place and that could have been one of the reasons. There should have been someone who knows about the game and who has a knowledge of how to go about in the venture. I only hope that things are put in place and they organise the event as per the new dates (September 2014).
You have been saying that more sportsmen should join politics and that you did get an offer from Mamata Banerjee. Should we expect you in the assembly soon?
I have always said that many sportsmen should join politics and it is good for sports. Regarding me joining politics, I think it is too early to talk about it. We do have some of the renowned sports personalities in politics.
Mamata Banerjee did have an offer for you, didn’t she?
These are rumours, I’d say. She is a very good politician.
As chairman of AIFF techinical committee, do you feel that India winning the bid to host World Cup under-17 has come at the right time?
I would not comment on the bidding aspect, but I would say that the AIFF and especially the president should keep meeting and chalking out programmes as to what should be done to make this happen in a big way.
Do you mean to say that the AIFF and the president are not meeting on this aspect?
The frequency of the meeting should be more.
You made it to the dance reality show on TV...
(Laughs) It was my childhood dream and I have fulfilled it. It was a great experience but I feel that is not my piece of cake, and I don’t think I will make it again.
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