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My Precious Ten Seconds With Bhaichung Bhutia: Final Salute To A True Legend Of Indian Football
Sarthak Dubey reminisces the time spent with the Sikkimese Sniper and the impact it had on him...
05-Jan-2012 12:05:00 AM
By Sarthak Dubey
goal.com
I would like to share a short, yet very meaningful experience I once had. Life can spring up a few surprises every now and then. For me, it was unexpected destiny, unusual fate and startlingly good luck, that brought me face-to-face with Bhaichung Bhutia.
Like many hundreds around India, I had travelled to Kolkata to witness the spectacle created by the little magician, Lionel Messi, at Salt Lake Stadium when Argentina had visited India for their friendly against Venezuela.
The city of Kolkata was painted in blue and white stripes of Argentina. Every Tom, Dick and Harry was wearing the 'Messi No.10' jersey and all eyes were on the Barcelona star. My eyes were on the TV set in my room at 'Hotel O2' as I watched Bengali news channels (NOT understanding a single word they said) raving about Messi. The taxi that had to take me to the Salt Lake Stadium was a little late.
It was my chance to explore the streets outside for thirty minutes, only! After some good Bengali 'chaats' on the roadside and a random walk back to 'Hotel O2', I was only looking forward to the most obviously awaited event of the day taking place at Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Little did I expect, whatever happened next.
A wrong turn into entrance gate-1 of 'Hotel O2' (mine was entrance gate-2) confused me. I saw a security guard and asked him, "Where is the reception, bhai?". I thought the poor man didn't understand what I wanted. He sent me into an elevator and told me to press level-1. Quite bizarrely, I followed his instructions and came into the first floor lobby of 'Hotel O2'.
Yes, as I came out of the opened doors of the elevator, I did see a reception-of-sorts... I did see a lounge area... And I also saw the entire team of United Sikkim FC!! (For those who are not aware, United Sikkim FC is Bhaichung Bhutia's own football club, currently playing in I-League's second division). In a split second I realised that the great Bhaichung Bhutia and I were staying in the same hotel itself! Among the several training jerseys, my eyes were desperately searching for the legend himself.
I found him talking to a gentleman, trying to explain to him most courteously that he would be present at the big game later that night and would certainly meet him there! My hands reached for the camera in the pocket, my eyes were glistening with joy and I felt very nervous. I patiently waited for their conversation to end as I was going to request him to take a photograph with me!
Meeting Indian football's most famous face was always my dream. I only realised how big this was, as he walked towards me and made eye contact with a gracious smile. I still remember those stuttering words: "Could I please take a picture with you, sir?". He politely agreed, asked a team-mate to take a snap of the two of us, shook my hand and left!
It was merely 10 seconds with him. Maybe 20 to get a proper full scan glimpse. But the experience was once-in-a-lifetime. I will probably never forget it and will always count my stars to have met the security guard outside!
The Final Hurrah!
Within those 10 precious seconds I witnessed the humility of Bhaichung Bhutia, greeting everybody around him with respect and confidence.
The United Sikkim promoter scored 43 goals for the Indian National Team in 107 appearances to be awarded the Padma Shri in 2008. He not only danced past defenders to find the back of the net, but quite literally danced on national television to win the dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa' in 2009!
Next week Tuesday, 10th January 2012, as proud Indians who have been given many amazing performances by the talismanic figure of Indian football, it is our duty to go out in large numbers to say a final goodbye to Bhaichung Bhutia for his immense contribution to football in the sub-continent and one last time catch a glimpse of India's evergreen captain in the Blue Jersey.
Enjoy Bayern Munich and their star studded line-up at the Nehru Stadium but don't forget the reason for the testimonial: the legend himself, Bhaichung Bhutia. Hats off to you!
Like many hundreds around India, I had travelled to Kolkata to witness the spectacle created by the little magician, Lionel Messi, at Salt Lake Stadium when Argentina had visited India for their friendly against Venezuela.
The city of Kolkata was painted in blue and white stripes of Argentina. Every Tom, Dick and Harry was wearing the 'Messi No.10' jersey and all eyes were on the Barcelona star. My eyes were on the TV set in my room at 'Hotel O2' as I watched Bengali news channels (NOT understanding a single word they said) raving about Messi. The taxi that had to take me to the Salt Lake Stadium was a little late.
It was my chance to explore the streets outside for thirty minutes, only! After some good Bengali 'chaats' on the roadside and a random walk back to 'Hotel O2', I was only looking forward to the most obviously awaited event of the day taking place at Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Little did I expect, whatever happened next.
 Indian Icon Bhaichung Bhutia Bids His Farewell |
Yes, as I came out of the opened doors of the elevator, I did see a reception-of-sorts... I did see a lounge area... And I also saw the entire team of United Sikkim FC!! (For those who are not aware, United Sikkim FC is Bhaichung Bhutia's own football club, currently playing in I-League's second division). In a split second I realised that the great Bhaichung Bhutia and I were staying in the same hotel itself! Among the several training jerseys, my eyes were desperately searching for the legend himself.
I found him talking to a gentleman, trying to explain to him most courteously that he would be present at the big game later that night and would certainly meet him there! My hands reached for the camera in the pocket, my eyes were glistening with joy and I felt very nervous. I patiently waited for their conversation to end as I was going to request him to take a photograph with me!
Meeting Indian football's most famous face was always my dream. I only realised how big this was, as he walked towards me and made eye contact with a gracious smile. I still remember those stuttering words: "Could I please take a picture with you, sir?". He politely agreed, asked a team-mate to take a snap of the two of us, shook my hand and left!
It was merely 10 seconds with him. Maybe 20 to get a proper full scan glimpse. But the experience was once-in-a-lifetime. I will probably never forget it and will always count my stars to have met the security guard outside!
The Final Hurrah!
Within those 10 precious seconds I witnessed the humility of Bhaichung Bhutia, greeting everybody around him with respect and confidence.
The United Sikkim promoter scored 43 goals for the Indian National Team in 107 appearances to be awarded the Padma Shri in 2008. He not only danced past defenders to find the back of the net, but quite literally danced on national television to win the dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa' in 2009!
Next week Tuesday, 10th January 2012, as proud Indians who have been given many amazing performances by the talismanic figure of Indian football, it is our duty to go out in large numbers to say a final goodbye to Bhaichung Bhutia for his immense contribution to football in the sub-continent and one last time catch a glimpse of India's evergreen captain in the Blue Jersey.
Enjoy Bayern Munich and their star studded line-up at the Nehru Stadium but don't forget the reason for the testimonial: the legend himself, Bhaichung Bhutia. Hats off to you!
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