Bhaichung Bhutia has been appointed as All India Football Federation's technical committee chairman. The former Indian football captain made his debut into football administration.
The national team’s miserable performance at the Asia Cup at Doha where India could not win any of the matches led to the retirement of Bhaichung from international football in 2011. In his 16 years career, Bhaichung led the Indian football.
According to All India Football Federation vice-president Subrata Dutta, president Praful Patel took the decision to appoint Bhaichung Bhutia as chairman. This was decided by the last executive committee meeting of the AIFF. The 36-year-old footballer will be replacing former India international Mohammad Habib. The former technical committee consisted of international players like Habib, Inder Singh, Pradip Chowdhury.
Bhaichung Bhutia has scored 42 goals in 107 matches for Blue Tigers. He has surpassed the achievement of current skipper Sunil Chhetri. Sunil is just two strikes behind Bhaichung Bhutia. India thrice won the SAFF Championship, twice the Nehru Cup and the LG Cup under his captaincy. Captain Bhaichung’s leadership helped the football team to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup after 24 years. We wish all the best for his new responsibilities as Chairman of AIFF.
