Bhaichung Bhutia reinstated in the advisor's role in AIFF

A LOT GOING BACK AND FORTH with Bhaichung Bhutia, firstly there were rumours that he was removed from the post of technical advisor which he had denied. Then last month he was officially excluded from the technical committee after new shuffles happened. Now he is back, and this time the news of his reinstated has been confirmed.

Bhutia told IANS on Tuesday saying,

"Yes I have agreed to a one year contract extension as the advisor to the AIFF,"

Bhutia continued,

"When I took charge as advisor for the first time, India were ranked in the region of 160. When I left in December, they were around 130. Now the aim will be to take things forward."

Popularly known as the Sikkimese Sniperm Bhutia shared the thought on grassroots,

"We will also be focusing more on grassroots programme. During my first stint, I had put a lot of emphasis on grassroots as that is the way forward. Also state licensing is an aspect I want to train my eyes on this time"

Bhutia also shared AIFF's effort on the upcoming FIFA Under 17 World Cup in India saying,

"We have given them ample exposure trips to all parts of the world. I don't think even countries like England and other European countries do so much in terms of preparing the boys. They have been looked after well and I hope we do well in the World Cup,"

The U17 final is going to be played the heart of the football hotbed of Kolkata. On Kolkata being chosen as the finals venue Bhutia said,

"The football on show will be superb. The quality of the teams and the level at which they will play will be something the country has never witnessed before live."

"Kolkata has always been very passionate about football and it is the perfect stage for the final of India's first World Cup," Bhutia concluded

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