By Ishwar Nath Jha New Delhi, Aug 26 : Legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia was famous for his quick run into the opposing box.His quick-wittedness helped him become one of the most sought-after Indian forwards for over a decade and a half.
As the 45-year-old makes his attempt to get into football administration– he has filed a nomination for the position of president in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) elections set for September 2 The charismatic footballer’s instincts suggest he is likely to make a mark again even though it’s an unexplored area for him.
“I am the ideal person to manage the AIFF,” said a confident Bhutia in chat with IANS, in a sign that he will not quit without fighting.
Excerpts:
Q: So, you’ve taken the step into AIFF politics.Who did you nominate and how confident are regarding your odds of leading the AIFF?
A My nomination was made by the president of the Andhra Football Association, Gopalkrishna Kosaraju.It was it was seconded by Manvendra Singh who is vice president of Rajasthan Football Association.
I feel that I is the best person to head the AIFF.
We all know about the current situation in the federation.The body has been suspended by international football association (FIFA) and we’ve been denied the rights to host the World Cup for women U-17 in October.I’m sure that everyone is aware of the situation.As I stated earlier, we must bring in proper reforms and a efficient management.
The twist of events leading up to the elections truly shook me to my core.We need strong players in the management team who are able to steer Indian football in the right direction.
Did you feel dissatisfied by you learned that the Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision to grant the right to vote to prominent players?
A: We’re fortunate that the Supreme Court turned down the voting rights of the players.Naturally, we will investigate the issue but in this case, as far as the elections are concerned, we must to comply with the order.
We hope that in the future with the constitution that has been revised, we will continue fighting for the rights of players to be members of the AIFF and gaining voting rights and becoming part of the overall body.This is something we’d like to achieve.
Do you believe this is a fantastic chance to help the sport that has given you so much? Are you also being or backed by any political group in this election?
A I am here to help improve the game of Indian football.I would like to be member of the management and would like to contribute to the development of Indian football.The sport requires changes in the country.Today, the person I am is purely due to the sport of football.I’m now a Padma Shri because of it.I was an athlete for India for 16 years and this is the time to dedicate myself to my game.It is in need of changes with (FIFA) prohibitions taking place.
Whatever has occurred in the past has occurred.It (AIFF) is controlled by politicians and businessmen.It’s true that today at least, I’m not associated with or affiliated with any major national party.I’m able to visit any state whether it’s one of the Congress, BJP NCP, DMC or JD-ruled states.every state.I’m able to go since I’m not a member of any political organization.
Do you think that Prime Narendra Modi’s administration has given a boost to sports in the country?
A I’m currently working with both the government and ministry of sports on a variety of projects.The government is helping sportspeople.We have a wonderful Prime Minister who has been open to sportspeople.He has helped the sports develop in India.This is just one of the main reasons people like myself are pushed to not only become officials or coaches but also to transition into the role of sports administrators.
Sourav Ganguly is one of the greats of all time of Indian cricket is doing amazing work as the president of the Indian cricket board.He’s only one of the many examples.Why shouldn’t other players also do the same? So, my point is that we can collaborate after I join the union (AIFF).I’m currently working with the government and can promise you that the All India Football Federation will collaborate with all states associations as well as the government to improve the quality of the game.We’ll be able to collaborate and do a better job if we do so.
Q: The former India goalkeeper and BJP leader Kalyan Chaubey is in the race for the position of president.he is believed to be the leading candidate for the position.What are your thoughts on this.
A: I’m inviting Kalyan Chaubey to join us for a discussion.We’ll gather and discuss Indian football.If he convinces me with his ideas, I’ll be prepared to cooperate with him.It’s high time you realize that sportspeople also have a say in the matter and compete for the position of president, and win and perform well.I’m sure and confident I’m capable of doing that.
I’ve had that experience.I’m armed with that experience and I’ve got great plans to examine to allow Indian football to flourish.I’ve said that centers of excellence are something we’d like to see in all states to allow states to start producing high-quality players.
Yesterday I was reading in which Kalyan stated the need in every state to have an sufficient office facilities, where the policymaking and planning process can be carried out.Kalyan had stated that every state should be able to afford an office that covers an area of at least of 10,000 square feet.He was also of the opinion that member associations with a certification could construct offices that are uniformly designed, which would be referred to as the football houses of the respective states.
Well, this wouldn’t be my main concern right now.He (Kalyan) could be misguided, I do not know.It’s a statement, but he could be misled by certain state associations.I believe this is an inefficient use of money.If this is his idea, he perhaps needs to reconsider his plans.
The money should be put into grassroots football.
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