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New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) Legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia was known for his quick forays into the opposition field. His early instincts made him one of the most feared Indian batsmen for over a decade and a half.
As the 45-year-old forays into football administration – he has filed for the post of president in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) elections scheduled for September 2 – the charismatic footballer’s instincts tell him he will be able to make a mark again. although this is uncharted territory for him.
“I am the right person to run the AIFF,” said a confident Bhutia in a chat with IANS, indicating that he will not give up without a fight.
samples:
Q: So you decided to dive into AIFF politics. Who nominated you and how confident are you in your chances to lead the federation?
A: My nomination was proposed by Andhra Football Association President Gopalkrishna Kosaraju and seconded by Manvendra Singh, Rajasthan Football Association President.
I feel that I am the right person to run the AIFF. We all know what the situation is in the federation. The body was suspended by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and we lost the right to host the U-17 Women’s World Cup in October. I am sure everyone is aware of the situation and, as I said earlier, we need to introduce good reforms and good governance. The development of events before the election really saddens me. We need good people in management who can take Indian football in the right direction.
Q: Were you disappointed when the Supreme Court overturned its previous decision to give voting rights to prominent players?
A: We are unlucky that the Supreme Court has denied players the right to vote. Obviously we will pursue the matter, but as far as this election is concerned, we have to keep order. We hope that in the future with the new constitution we will continue to fight for the rights of the players to become part of the AIFF, to be duly given voting rights and to become part of the general body. So that’s something we want to do.
Q: Do you think this is a great opportunity for you to give back to the sport that has given you so much? Also, are any political parties supporting you in this election?
A: I am here for the betterment of Indian football. I want to be a part of the administration and I want to work for Indian football. Sport needs reforms in the country. What I have become today is only thanks to football. I am Padma Shri for this. I played for India for 16 years; this is my time to return to my sport. There is a need for reforms with bans (FIFA).
What has happened in the past has happened. It (AIFF) is run by businessmen and politicians. You know, today at least I’m not affiliated or attached to any major national party. I can go to any state today, be it Congress, BJP NCP, DMC or JD ruled state…any state. I can go because I am not affiliated with any political party.
Question: Do you think Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has improved sports in the country?
A: I am working with the government and the sports ministry on several projects. The government supports athletes. We have a great Prime Minister who has been very receptive to athletes. He really helped in the development of sports in India. And this is one of the reasons why athletes like me are now motivated not only to become coaches or officials, but also to break into sports administrators.
Sourav Ganguly, one of the all-time greats of Indian cricket, is doing a great job as the President of the Indian Cricket Board. He is just one of the examples. Why can’t other players do it too? So, my thing is that we can work after I enter the federation (AIFF). I am already working with the government and I can assure you that the All India Football Federation will work with all the state associations as well as the government for the betterment of the sport. That way we will be able to work and do a much better job.
Q: Former India wicketkeeper and BJP leader Kalyan Chaubey is also in the fray for the post of President and is reportedly the favorite for the post. Your thoughts on this…
A: I invite Kalyan Chaubey for a discussion. We will sit together and talk about Indian football. If he convinces me with his ideas, I will be willing to work with him. I think it’s time to know that athletes also have a say and can fight for the office of president, they can win and they can do a good job. I am sure and confident that I can do it.
I have this experience. I have this knowledge and I have good plans that we can look at for Indian football to prosper. I mentioned that centers of excellence is something we want to have in all states so that states can start producing quality players.
Yesterday I read an article somewhere where Kalyan mentioned that there is a need in every state to have adequate office infrastructure where planning and policy making can take place. Kalyan had mentioned that every state should have an office spread over a minimum of 10,000 square feet. He also opined that the certified member associations can build offices with a uniform design, which will be called football houses of their respective states.
Well, that won’t be my priority right now. He (Kalyan) might have gone astray, I don’t know. This is a claim, but it can be misled by some state associations. I think that would be a waste of money. And if that’s his plan, maybe he should think again. The money should go to grassroots football.
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