Gangtok: Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is now pursuing a new passion — the dream to establish a football academy in his home state of Sikkim.
Bhutia plans to set up a football academy in Sikkim, which would provide the best coaching and training facilities to youngsters.
His plans have already attracted the interest of celebrities and professionals, sources close to Bhutia said.
Bhutia, who will soon join his Indian teammate in Portugal for training, would soon submit an application to the Sikkim government for land to develop the academy, United Sikkim Sporting Club general secretary Arjun Rai said.
The Indian football captain is the chief patron of the USSC.
Bhutia met film star John Abraham, who is a football fan, recently and has “already received his commitment to support the concept to the best of his abilities,” Rai disclosed.
Abraham was excited over the idea of being associated with what is to be developed as the best football academy in the country and also expressed a desire to visit Sikkim and explore the idea further, Rai said.
Bhutia plans to have two football grounds, one with artificial turf and the other with natural grass cover, in the academy, Rai added.
