The Legacy That Bhaichung Bhutia Leaves Behind - A Journey Into The Sniper's Illustrious Career

As the legendary striker prepares to play his final match in the Indian colours, Goal.com's Debjit Lahiri takes you into a journey of the 16 year old illustrious career...

05-Jan-2012 9:01:00 AM

By Debjit Lahiri

More On :  Bayern, India
Bhaichung announces retirement
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Bayern Munich In India

Indian Icon Bhaichung Bhutia Bids His Farewell
India's footballing history has never been among the most illustrious ones. A nation, with only glimpses of promises over the years, India's story has always been a case of "so close yet so far". Understandably, it has not always been down to sheer bad luck. Somewhere down the line the country has indeed suffered from the dearth of 'world class' talents in it's backyard.

Yet for Bhaichung Bhutia, arguably one of the most gifted Indian players ever;a class above his contemporaries as some would say, there has still always been two sides of his legacy. One of a promising leader who never quite managed to guide the national team to the next level where the country could have proudly competed among Asia's heavyweights.

And the other of a lone torch-bearer; a messiah; who formed the sole identity of Indian Football, in it's most darkest of hours. Carrying the burden of hopes and anticipation of a billion people.

Well, whatever be one's perception, there is no denying that his retirement marks an end of era, that might not have been the most remarkably successful ones but certainly no less significant. They say, the night is darkest before the dawn and as the 'Sikkimese Sniper' calls it a day, we do hope that with the end of one era, a whole new generation evolves to take Indian Football in the right path.

The stage for his final hurrah is all set now. Who better than the German giants Bayern Munich to bid him a grand good-bye! Thus in build up to this historic event, we at Goal.com look back at some of the best moments of his illustrious career.

International Debut
Nehru Cup 1995 | Venue: India

There was always this buzz about the young Bhaichung Bhutia, who was now tipped to be the next big thing in Indian football. So, it did not come as a surprise when he finally received his international call-up for the 1995 Nehru Cup. The opposition was a stubborn Uzbek side, who with their extremely organized brand of football, had a slightly upper hand over the Indians.

For Bhaichung, however, this was the moment he had longed for all his life - an opportunity to don the Indian colours. With so much at stake, one would presume the 'first game nerves' to come into play. Yet, the 19 year old, fought his way among all adversaries and much to the nation's delight, scored on his debut and in that process went on to become the youngest ever scorer for India. As things stood, the goal proved to be the only goal of the match.

The tournament, however, wasn't quite fruitful for the Indians as they failed to qualify for the next stage but by then the nation had already smelt of what was to follow. The rise of India's new footballing icon!
First Major Trophy Triumph After 32 Years
LG Cup 2002 | Venue: Vietnam

The 26 year old Bhutia was by now the captain of the Indian national team. A place in the final was booked and the Indians were on the verge of their first major international title since their bronze medal win at the 1970 Asian Games.

However, on their way, stood a rather tricky Vietnamese side, cheered and backed by a hostile home crowd at the Thong Nhat stadium.

Charged up by the home support, Vietnam began in whirlwind fashion as their speedy forwards soon took control of the play as the Indians succumbed to an early 2-0 deficit.

With things looking bleak, Bhaichung inspired a miraculous come-back as he scored on either side of the half to bring India on level terms. A late goal by Abhishek Yadav ensured a historic win for the Indians.
Success In Clash Of Continents
Afro-Asian Games 2003 | Venue: India

It was a relatively a new concept and although the tournament did not feature all the top teams from the two continents, India's work was no doubt cut out with teams like Zimbabwe, Iran and Malayasia competing for the top honours.

Nevertheless, the Afro-Asian Games saw India finish silver-medalist behind Uzbekistan. Bhutia was once again instrumental as he scored two goals in the tournament, both of which came in the 5–3 semi-final win over Zimbabwe.
Twin Triumphs
Nehru Cup 2007,2009 | Venue: India

Yet again, some inspirational displays by the captain meant India lifted their second major international title (leaving aside the SAFF Championship) in 5 years, with Bhaichung scoring crucial goals against Cambodia,  Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan en route to the final of the Nehru Cup 2007.

Two years later it was a repeat of the same story as the Indians defended the title with Bhaichung once again playing a significant role. India lost the opening game to Lebanon and the pressure mounted given the amount of money spent on their training in Barcelona. It was the skipper who inspired the team when the chips were down. On the way to the finale, Bhutia earned his 100th cap for India in a 2–1 win over Kyrgyzstan, becoming the first Indian player to reach this milestone. Like on his debut, Bhaichung went on to score in his 100th match too.

His stellar performances through out the tournament earned him the 'Player of the tournament' award.
Entry Among Asia's Elites
AFC Challenge Cup 2008 | Venue: India

This was arguably the biggest success of his career as he lead India to a historic Asian Cup qualification following their triumph in the 2008 Challenge Cup.

His cute little volley goal along with Sunil Chhetri's hattrick in the final against Tajikistan meant that the Indians earned an automatic qualification for the 2011 Asian Cup after a span of 27 years.

He was once again adjudged as the 'Most Valuable Player' of the tournament as he finished with a tally of 3 goals.
A Tame Yet Historic End Of An Era
AFC Asia Cup 2010 | Venue: Qatar

On what was supposed to be THE biggest tournament of Bhutia's footballing career, a recurrent injury problem meant that Bhaichung's dream of participating in the continental tournament was confined to only a 15 minute cameo against South Korea in the final group league match.

However, his will and desire to help the team's cause was undisputable. Despite counted out by many, he decided to stay on with the squad. And although his on-field contributions were negligible, his moral support to the team went a long way as India registered some spirited displays against much tougher opponents like Australia and Bahrain.

Incidentally, the match against South Korea, would also go on to be his last appearance in the international stage.

What Legacy Does Bhaichung Bhutia Leave Behind For Indian Football? Give In Your Views..


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