A Tribute To Bhaichung Bhutia, The Pioneer of Indian Football: A Word From The Fans

As Bhaichung Bhutia’s Testimonial comes closer, some fans of Indian football comment on the illustrious career of this ambassador of Indian Football and how he has inspired youngsters around India to pursue their dreams.

Naman Gandhi

Bhaichung serves as a benchmark not only for Indian football, but also for Asian football, as he has been one of the best players for over a decade. Having played for some of the best sides in the country along with three stints with overseas clubs, including one in England, he couldn’t have really asked for more from life.

He is a true inspiration to all players playing in India. We would really love to see him continue playing football for our nation, but sadly he won’t be, so we hope he gets a hero’s departure against Bayern Munich.

Shravan Manghani

Bhaichung Bhutia, better known as 'The Sikkimese Sniper' for his amazing shot accuracy was more than just a player to Indian football; he was the face of Indian football for over a decade. Apart from the number of appearances and the number of goals he has scored for the National team, his contribution was great as a skipper, a leader by choice and not by chance.

Bayern Munich In India Indian Icon Bhaichung Bhutia Bids His Farewell Click here for more

He had many stints playing abroad, but he was very clear that he loved playing in India only. A top man who loved to keep it simple with a no controversy in his life, unlike the modern day footballer.

Bhutia's retirement leaves a void that is being filled well by Chhetri & Jeje in terms of technical skill but certainly not in terms of leadership skills.

Daksh Shah

Bhaichung Bhutia plays his farewell national game on the 10th of January against Bayern Munich at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. It shall be a fitting tribute to the face of Indian football. A diminutive figure from Sikkim, he revolutionized football for young athletes in India.

It was after Bhaichung shot to stardom that Indians started to pay attention to Indian football. Earlier it was only Manchester United or Arsenal or some such illustrious foreign club that stole the limelight for any aspiring football fan.

It was only after Bhutia was made captain of the Indian national team that football enthusiasts all over the country began to pay attention to our national team. He revolutionized Indian football by promoting the I-League and the Men in Blue. If anyone can take credit for the exponential growth of football in India, it must be Bhaichung for he is the first true face of Indian football. Respect!

Where do I start? When we hear about Indian Football, all that comes to mind is Bhaichung Bhutia. It’s really sad to see him to go into retirement. He is such a missionary when it comes to football in India, with his football schools training young talent to make a life in football.

Some of the matches I have seen him play, in the AFC Challenge Cup of 2008, where he was adjudged the player of the tournament, I was completely mesmerized by his style of play. We all wish him well for the future and hope we get more players and people like Bhaichung to do good for Indian football.

Aalap Ashtamkar

I will remember Bhaichung Bhutia as the first footballer to put India on the world's football map. A precision striker, never seen before in Indian colors.

A true genius and a motivational player whose only dream of representing India in the FIFA world cup sadly went unfulfilled. I even had him on my Chelsea squad on a football management video game. Hope India finds a leader who will be able to fit into Bhutia’s shoes.

Aaresh Bachana

Bhaichung Bhutia- the golden leg of Indian football. Bhutia serves as an inspirational character to so many young talented budding footballers.

An extremely humble character on and off the field, with a motto clear in his mind: To play good football for his nation, and so he has done. He sets a great example for generations to come, in the sports industry. Form is temporary but class is permanent. We really will miss Bhaichung.

Deep Shah

Bhaichung Bhutia will surely be remembered as the Indian football legend who took the game to new heights in the Indian subcontinent.

An extremely good captain of the national team of India, with the experience of having played in other countries like England and Malaysia, he is definitely the best footballer India has ever produced.

It has been a pleasure watching him play. He serves as an inspiration to all youngsters in India pursuing football as something more than a hobby.

Pranav Dixit

Bhaichung Bhutia is and will be remembered as the pioneer of Indian football.

I still remember him leading India to a 4-1 victory against Syria and my last memory of him will definitely be the Zidane 11 game when he played a charity match, scoring a brace.

His leadership skills and his ability to play with any kind of team, having partnered with 3 odd generations of strikers, shows his true class. We will really miss him and wish him all the best for the future.

Catch India vs Bayern Munich On January 10, 1800 IST Only On Ten Action!