Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium: AIFF pay tribute to ex-football captain, rename Sikkim Stadium

Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is often regarded as torchbearer of beautiful game in India and is one of very few Indian professionals to have plied ir trade in Europe. India's second-most capped player Bhutia made 82 official appearances for Men in Blue, scoring 41 goals and remains second youngest international goalscorer. former East Bengal striker's legendary career saw him win a host of accolades before retirement in 2012, and All India Football Federation (AIFF) has w paid tribute by a renaming a Sikkim stadium in his hour. 

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AIFF renames Sikkim Stadium in hour of former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia 

Speaking to AIFF's website, Menla Enpa, President of  Sikkim Football Association, said that inauguration of Padma Shri Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium in Namchi, Sikkim is a tribute to one of best Indian footballers. Enpa said that even after retiring in 2012, Indian football legend has continued to be a role model to many and has inspired youngsters to take up football all across country, let alone in Sikkim. Sikkim Stadium will be first stadium to be named after any footballer in country. Among or sports, a shooting range is named after Dr Karni Singh, while stadiums have been named after hockey icons Dhyan Chand and Roop Singh. 

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Speaking to AIFF's website on decision to rename Sikkim Stadium, Bhaichung Bhutia said that he is houred and excited. former Mohun Bagan striker added that Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium provides top-class facilities and infrastructure to budding footballers. Indian football continued by pointing out that Sikkim Stadium has produced many footballers including him and he has fond memories of playing at venue. groundwork for Bhaichung Bhutia Football Stadium began in 2010s but faced many hurdles due to financial difficulties. However, after Prem Singh Tamang assumed office of Chief Minister, work restarted swiftly. 

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Enpa said that Sikkim CM is an avid football fan and himself took interest to fast-track construction work. He furr said that stadium would have already been inaugurated if t for COVID-19 pandemic. Enpa informed that an artificial turf has already been laid apart from setting up of 15,000-capacity stands. He added that re are plans to install floodlights in second phase. 

Bhaichung Bhutia revealed that he has offered a proposal to establish an academy in proximity of stadium which will, in turn, encour more youngsters to take up football. Indian football legend said that he had already informed  State Government about setting up a Football Academy, which will be a joint venture with United Sikkim. Bhaichung Bhutia furr added that academy will provide a platform for youths to play football and will host Golden baby leagues soon. 

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(Im Courtesy: Indian Football Team Twitter)