Happy Birthday Bhaichung Bhutia!

When you sit to write about this player, you have to wonder what aspect to write about as there’s so much to his personality. 17 years of professional football and the man who has inspired thousands to take up the sport as their sole means of livelihood. Who else are we talking about other than Bhaichung Bhutia.

It’s not that he was born with a silver spoon. He had humble beginnings and following a scholarship he went to a boarding school in Gangtok where his skills were further honed by uncle Karma Bhutia in the Boys Club.

He impressed everyone with his displays in the Subroto Cup, won the Player of the tournament and brought himself to everyone’s notice.

At the age of sixteen to join East Bengal was certainly too much for the youngster and it was his stint at JCT which did wonders for him as he helped them win the first National Football League.

By then, he had won the Indian Player of the Year award and made his debut for the national team and on returning to the Red and Gold’s, he set the stage on fire with his performances. The Government of India honoured him with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1999.

It’s every Indian’s dream to see their player go and excel in the European Leagues. After the legendary Mohammed Salim who played for Celtic, the only other player to make it into Europe has been Bhaichung as he joined Bury FC for three years.

On returning from England, he struggled with the injuries but came in style as East Bengal won the treble with the ASEAN Cup victory being the sweetest of all where he scored in the finals.

Bhaichung has also donned the colours of the Green and Maroons and his best phase came last season where the club won three trophies and also finished runners-up in the I-League. The Padma Shri was conferred upon him for his distinguished service to the game of football in India.

And it’s not that his star status has done him favours to not get into any controversies and have an easy way out. His altercation with Mohun Bagan which still hasn’t ended, the fallout with former India coach Syed Nayeemuddin are certain notable parts where he had to fight it out.

The Star In Action!

For the national team, he has always excelled and there came a phase when he considered retirement and only thanks to Bob Houghton, did he return and has been prolific as always. He won the Most Valuable Player award in last year’s AFC Challenge Cup which sealed India’s qualification to the 2011 Asian Cup.

In the 2007 Nehru Cup, it was his experience and guile which gave India the advantage of playing against ten man Syria and this year’s edition, saw him score when the chips were down following the opening loss to Lebanon.

Off the field, he has scored with his dancing skills, something which Mohun Bagan fans would never acknowledge! He has started the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) along the lines of the Players Association in England which has already begun to make its presence felt.

For now, he is injured but don’t count him out as yet at 33. There’s a lot left in him...The Asian Cup is coming...

From everyone at Goal.com, Many Many Happy Returns of the Day Bhaichung!

Rahul Bali.