Happy Birthday, Bhaichung Bhutia: God’s Gift to Indian Football.

Last updated on August 9th, 2023 at 05:37 pm

December 15 is Bhaichung Bhutia’s 45th birthday. One of the flagbearers of Indian football, An Indian former professional footballer who played as a striker, Bhaichung Bhutia (born 15 December 1976) is also spelled as Baichung Bhutia. Bhutia is considered the most important Indian football player in the international arena. Because of his shooting skills in football, he has often been nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper. “God’s gift to Indian football”, is how three-time Indian Player of the Year I. M. Vijayan described Bhutia.

All his career, the former captain of the Indian football team performed the role of a striker. He is known for his powerful shots, as well as stunning accuracy in front of the goal. Bhutia is definitely one of the best footballers.

Interesting facts about Bhaichung Bhutia Akka Sikkimese Sniper:-

1. At 18 years and 90 days, Bhutia holds the record for being the youngest international goal scorer for India.

2. He lost the general election of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the president post 33–1 to Kalyan Chaubey.

3. At the age of sixteen, Bhutia left school in 1993 to join the professional East Bengal F.C. football club. He transferred to JCT Mills in Phagwara two years later, which went on to win the India National Football League in the 1996–97 season. Bhutia, the top goalscorer in the league, was chosen to make his international debut in the Nehru Cup. He was named 1996 Indian Player of the Year.

4. At the age of 19, Bhaichung made his senior international debut in the Nehru Cup against Thailand on 10 March 1995. Bhutia, at 19, scored for India against Uzbekistan in the 1995 Nehru Cup, becoming India’s youngest-ever goalscorer.

5. Bhutia has scored 40 goals, making him India’s fourth-highest international goal scorer.

6. Even though he was still an active footballer, Bhutia was the first player to have a football stadium named after him.

7. He won the third season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in 2009, partnering with choreographer Sonia Jaffer. Karan Singh Grover and Gauahar Khan were beaten in the final by the winner of the competition, who was awarded 4 million.

8. He married his longtime girlfriend Madhuri Tipnis, a hotel professional, on 30 December 2004 in his native village of Tinkitam in South Sikkim. Bhaichung’s name literally means “little brother”.

9. He became the first Indian footballer to sign a professional contract with a European club when he joined Bury FC in 1999.

10. Adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd. signed an endorsement deal with him in November 2003.