Bhaichung Bhutia: Want to open doors of administration for other players

Bhaichung Bhutia is up against Kalyan Chaubey, former Indian goalkeeper and a BJP leader from Bengal, in the Presidential elections of the All India Football Federation scheduled for September 2.

FILE PHOTO: Bhaichung Bhutia is up against Kalyan Chaubey, former Indian goalkeeper and a BJP leader from Bengal, in the Presidential elections of the All India Football Federation scheduled for September 2. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN/The Hindu

“Unless players see a future in sports administration, they will not look beyond coaching as means to make a living after their active playing days are over. I am keen to make a contribution as an administrator and open the door of other former players. I want to make a difference. I want to see football win.”

These words from Bhaichung Bhutia give a ray of hope to those optimistic about the future of Indian football. At the same time, the former Indian captain is fully aware of the challenge he faces in becoming the President in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) elections scheduled for September 2.

Talking to mediapersons here on Friday, Bhutia said, “I will go to everyone (those in the Electoral College) and share my vision of Indian football. I know a lot of work needs to be done but I am optimistic.”

Bhutia is up against Kalyan Chaubey, former Indian goalkeeper and a BJP leader from Bengal. With the apparent support of around 25 of the 34 state associations eligible to vote, Chaubey is clearly the front-runner by some distance.

Captain of the Indian team for 12 years, Bhutia spoke of making “football the winner” by strengthening the hands of the state associations in building players. “The federation does not build players, state associations do. If there is ample funding available with the state association for the preparing players for the bigger challenges, India can have a team to play in bigger events.

“Building infra-structure is the job of the state but if the AIFF can help bring in funding for the players at district/state levels, only then can we hope to give the necessary support to the budding talent. The focus has to shift from being simply result-oriented to long-term building of the available talent pools and giving them opportunities to realize their potential,” said Bhutia while speaking to Sportstar.

The voting on September 2 will be held for the posts of President, Treasurer, Vice President and the 14-member Executive Committee (EC) by the Electoral College comprising 34 states and Union Territories. In addition, six former players – four men and two women – will be co-opted into the EC, with voting rights.