baichung bhutia, india football, football
Bhutia said his failure to regain full fitness after missing most of India's campaign at the Asian Cup in Qatar in January prompted him to end his career with the national side.  -Reuters Photo

NEW DELHI: Baichung Bhutia, the poster boy of Indian football, announced his international retirement on Wednesday following months of injury problems.

Bhutia, who turns 35 in December, said his failure to regain full fitness after missing most of India's campaign at the Asian Cup in Qatar in January prompted him to end his 16-year career with the national side.

“Under the circumstances, this was the best decision,” Bhutia told reporters in New Delhi.

“I made several attempts in the last few months to make a comeback, but could not because of recurring injuries.

“But I will continue playing club football.”

The striker, who hails from the northeastern state of Sikkim, co-owns and plays for United Sikkim FC in Indian domestic football.

Bhutia was the first Indian to play professional football in Europe when he was signed by English club Bury on a three-year contract in 1999.

He is the recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, and has also been honoured with the Arjuna award, the country's second highest sporting award.

Bhutia's engaging personality helped bring football to the forefront in cricket-crazy India, earning him lucrative endorsement contracts with major firms like Adidas and later Nike.

Bhutia said he was frustrated that India were ranked a lowly 153 in the FIFA rankings despite having a huge population to draw from, adding that he was willing to join the sport's administration.

“My commitment and contribution to Indian football will not diminish and I am ready to help the AIFF (All-India Football Federation) in whatever way they want me,” he said.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...