Sikkimese Sniper

Football isn't a highly regarded sport in India. Even though it's technical and requires speed and skill, most people don't view it with interest. But thanks to one person's efforts and talent, football is now seen as a sport of vigour and skill.

The Sikkimese Sniper in action. Image source: sports-nova.com

"Oh my god! Dude, you just cost us a win. What kind of a centre forward are you?" yelled Rohan.

"It's not my fault you're a lousy defender," snapped Ela.

Just before the two of them could punch each other, their coach intervened.

"You know what guys if you played like a team, you could've won. Now stop bickering and blaming each other, and get to work. Practice isn't cancelled. 3 more laps for both of you." The coach blew his whistle loudly, to assert his point.

The best players on the team were butting heads against each other. This is not turning out to be a good day. If this continues, we might not play matches anymore. Every negative thought ran through the coach's mind till he found a solution.

"Hey guys, sit down. It's storytime."

"Aren't we too old for a story? Besides, didn't we just lose a match?" remarked Ela.

Their coach smiled and began narrating.

"Do you know who Bhaichung Bhutia is? I'm sure you do. He is the reason why kids like you play football. Had it not been for him, you would have probably been doing something you never loved. He is God's gift to Indian football."

"Yeah we know, he is great. He was a prodigy. We guys couldn't even win this match. The underdogs beat us. I'm furious." Rohan said as he scored a perfect goal.

"Did you know that Bhaichung Bhutia came from a family of agriculturists, and sports wasn't their priority? But it was his uncle Karma Bhutia, who motivated him to play football. At the mere age of nine, Bhaichung Bhutia was awarded a scholarship from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). From then, he studied at the Tashi Namgyal Academy.

His talents were soon recognized, and when he was declared the 'Best Player' of the Subroto Cup in 1992, the football establishment knew that they had a prodigy.

After having shown exceptional performances consecutively, and was named the "1996 Indian Player of the Year".

He received the Arjuna Award for his outstanding achievements in football. When he signed the contract with Bury (football club), he became the first Indian footballer to have signed up for a European football club.

Although his knee injuries interfered with his performances, he did play well in the ASEAN Club championships too. He won the Golden Boot in the 2003 ASEAN Club Championships.

Bhaichung Bhutia is the greatest footballer to have represented India. He is the first Indian footballer to have a stadium named after him, and the first Indian footballer to have been inducted into the Asian Football Hall of Fame.

Now we know his achievements are impeccable, and his style of play is what you strive for. But it's important to remember that football is a team sport, and in a team, we all play to our strengths together."

Ela and Rohan remembered why they started playing football in the first place. Bhaichung Bhutia had been their inspiration since they could kick a ball.

The two realized that they were not playing to their strengths. Thus Rohan became centre forward, and Ela went on defence. The result? Their team went on to win the finals. Since they had won many accolades, Ela and Rohan received offers from top universities to study there.

Though football isn't the most popular sport in India, players like Bhaichung Bhutia have paved the way for young people who love this sport.