Bend it like Baichung

Baichung Bhutia goes the Beckham way, gets wife's name tattooed on arm, shows it off while training city kids

Bend it like Baichung

Baichung Bhutia goes the Beckham way, gets wife's name tattooed on arm, shows it off while training city kids

Who said Indian football hasn't reached international heights? At least the Indian football team's captain, Baichung Bhutia, has. He came to the Capital wearing love not on his sleeve, but arm. "Oh, yes, it's in Chinese," he said, pointing to the tattoo on his left hand, as excited kids from the Delhi International Football League (DIFL) got curious about what it stood for. After some prodding, the Padmashree award winner revealed it

was his wife Madhuri Tipnis' name.

In town to give tips to young players during a Special Skills Session organised by a leading sports brand, Bhutia spoke at length about playing for foreign clubs, staying fit and co-player Sunil Chhetri who tried for the English Coventry City Club. "A foreign club can never treat an Indian player with the respect he deserves. So, we must stop looking outward and believe in our own potential," he said, while stressing on the injustice done to Chhetri, and the inefficiency of his agent Yogesh Joshee. Chhetri was given only two days to train with the squad, and ousted thereafter.

Bhutia also said the Indian authorities have a lesson to learn from the Malaysian leagueu00a0"What happened when Malaysia brought in Manchester United? Nothing. They only lost revenue and made more Man U fans. It did no good to Malay football. I don't think we need to follow the FIFA format like them."

As kids crowded for expert tips, the Mohun Bagan skipper told them to "stay away from Mc Donald's and Coca Cola" if they were to stay fit for the game. He also revealed he had another "secret" tattoo on his
shoulder, but refused to give away more.

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