Padma Shri Bhaichung Bhutia retires in 2011
Cut to the Indian footballers, it was Bhutia's retirement that was the talk of the town. Known as the 'Sikkimese Sniper' for his shooting skills, the poster boy of Indian football for a major part of the last two decades called it quits on August 24, bringing to an end an era that saw the national team qualify for the Asian Cup after a gap of 24 years besides winning two Nehru Cup titles.It is only apt that an exhibition match against none other than German giants and four-time UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich has been scheduled on January 10 to mark Bhutia's farewell, which will see the likes of Thomas Mueller, Frank Ribery, Phillip Lahm and Arjen Robben in action at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here.
And it is even more appropriate that the proceeds of the match, to be called Audi Football Summit, will go to the victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked Sikkim in September.Bhutia, who has scored a record 47 goals in 107 international appearances since his debut in 1995, is understandably honoured to be playing his farewell match against a top side like Bayern.and for being the first Indian athlete to boycott the Olympic torch relay in support of the Tibetan independence movement. Bhutia, who has a football stadium named after him in honour of his contribution to Indian football (first player to have such honour while he is still playing), has also won many awards, such as the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
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