Baichung Bhutia calls for hard work

If the saying “there is always light at the end of a tunnel” is true, then Indians must hope for brighter days ahead.

After having some barren years, Indian football got a shot in the arm when they won Nehru Cup (2007, 2009), SAFF Cup (2009) and qualified for the Asia Cup. But still someone like Sunil Chetri whose work permit was rejected by UK on the pretext of India’s low ranking in the FIFA list, should not be upset as Indian skipper Baichung Bhutia came out with a remedy.

Bhutia, who had already turned out for English club Bury FC during 1999-2002, feels that raising the level of football here will eradicate these problems.

 “India, in order to be recognised and respected in the international football circuit, needs the hard work and commitment of its players. Only when we play together and improve the level of our performance will we go up in the FIFA rankings. Performance will speak for itself and these issues will not be such big a hindrance then. So, it’s important to focus on playing for the country,” Bhutia told DNA during the inaugural South Mumbai Junior soccer challenge on Monday.

Talking about the AIFF’s expansion plans, the footballer reinforced the need for structural changes and infrastructure.

Bhutia encouraged the crowd of nearly 1800 school children from the 204 participating schools. He along with MP Milind Deora, Queens Park Rangers vice-chairman Amit Bhatia and others took part in an exhibition match.

AIFF president Praful Patel, too, was present at the occasion.