Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.
'After the 2024 election results, I have had the realisation that electoral politics is simply not for me. I am therefore quitting all forms of electoral politics with immediate effect.'
The All India Football Federation decided to form an eight-member task force to look into the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) negotiations with its commercial partner Football Sports Development Ltd
Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday offered shelter to migrant workers of Sikkim to tackle the ongoing crisis arising out of the 21-day nationwide lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Migrant workers of unorganised sectors, desperate to return home, have been badly hit after the nationwide lockdown was imposed last week.
The footballer, who contested elections twice as a Trinamool Congress candidate and lost both times, took to social media to announce his decision.
This is the first time the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been banned by FIFA in its 85 year history.
Retiring India football captain Sunil Chhetri's sheer hard work, passion and professionalism made him different from other players of his generation as he went on to become an iconic player, feels his former skipper Bhaichung Bhutia.
Former captain and the face of Indian football for major part of the last two decades, star striker Bhaichung Bhutia on Wednesday announced his international retirement, drawing curtains on an illustrious 16-year career.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been inducted into the AFC's Hall of Fame, the All India Football Federation said on Wednesday.
A sneak peek into the special episode.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.
Sports must get priority over political, bureaucratic formalities: Bhutia
'The NRC had an effect on Assam and I think to cover up or make up for that, CAB has been brought in.'
Bhaichung Bhutia urges 'sports first' shift in Indian education to create world champions
AIFF chief Chaubey accuses Bhutia of running football schools for "vested interest"
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait to win the national league crown, defeating Inter Kashi in a thrilling final. Under coach Oscar Bruzon, the team overcame early setbacks and showed resilience to secure the title, marking a defining moment for the club and Indian football.
Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.
Bhutia and Chaubey have shared a history of verbal spats, with the former frequently questioning Chaubey's leadership, even calling the AIFF a "circus"
'Khalid will have to begin with consistency and with new players and good strikers from U-23 because he has to build for the future.'
'Today, U20 players are losing to Bangladesh, not qualifying for the Asia Cup. We can't expect miracles from the senior team. We need to really work at the ground level. The important thing for the AIFF is to bring as many kids as possible to play.'
'Overall it's time that the federation focuses on how to take Indian football forward. You cannot just have Vision 2046 on paper and not implement things.'
Bhutia lost the election for the AIFF president's post by a big margin of 33-1 to former goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Khelo India Tribal Games will be held annually in the state following the success of the inaugural edition. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and gain national recognition.
A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.
'If you are going to bypass the technical committee in the head coach appointment, why are we here?'
Should not entertain him, must be removed: Bhaichung Bhutia criticises AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey for corruption, mismanagement
India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia threw his weight behind national coach Bob Houghton, saying the Briton did not make any racist comment against referee Dinesh Nair and his allegation was "false".
'If a player of the status of Bhaichung is nominated for the post of president of the AIFF, it will be a good thing'
Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia demanded the resignation of All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey.
In his 15 years of international career, Bhaichung Bhutia has brought many laurels to the country. Now, the Indian football icon is now launching a football school, to teach the sport to underprivileged children free of cost.
'You're paying Rs 42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It just shows how clueless the management is.'
Bhaichung said he is proud to represent Sikkim at the 13th edition of Sustainable Fashion Day.
Indian football coach Savio Medeira on Sunday hailed former captain Bhaichung Bhutia for the services he has rendered to the country.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday said he might explore legal options after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) turned down his request for a discussion on the appointment of Shaji Prabhakaran as secretary general.
Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who launched the Hamro Sikkim Party in April, said his outfit will form a coalition with anyone wanting to work for the betterment of his state.
Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia will don the national colours one last time when the Indian football team takes on German giants Bayern Munich in his farewell exhibition match in New Delhi on Tuesday.
A look at the careers of Indian sportspersons who have transitioned into politics, highlighting their successes, failures, and party affiliations.
National football team coach Bob Houghton on Wednesday compared Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia with legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the influence they have on their respective team-mates "on and off the field".
Boxing legend M C Mary Kom has apologised to the 'male community' for her comments on a television show, explaining that her outburst was because of suppressing feelings inside her for a long time.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday got a former player as its first president in its 85-year history with Kalyan Chaubey beating the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia in the election for the top post.
