“The AFC is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in Philippines on November 30 this year where a joint event will take place to celebrate the Anniversary as well as reward Asia’s finest at the AFC Annual Awards. It is my pleasure to announce that India’s legendary Player Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has been selected to be honoured as an inductee to the AFC”s Hall of Fame,” Soosay wrote in the letter.
Besides Bhaichung, nine other legendary players from Asia would also be honoured. The awards are being instituted for the first time and Bhaichung is the lone Indian in the glittering list.
The Sikkim-born striker thanked AFC for selecting him into the Hall of Fame. “It’s a great honour for me. I need to thank AFC for finding me competent enough. I also need to thank All India Football Federation for their continuous support.”
According to Bhaichung, this won’t have ever been possible without the support of all his teammates, guidance of his coaches and clubs he has represented. “A special thanks for all my fans for standing beside me. This Award more for you than mine,” he said.
AIFF president Praful Patel and general secretary Kushal Das congratulated Bhaichung.
“Bhaichung has been the flag bearer of Indian Football in over 100 International matches. My heartiest congratulations to him! Post retirement, he has been closely associated with AIFF and we expect to work closely for the development of the sport in the Country,” Praful Patel, president of AIFF, said his congratulatory message.
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das asserted, “It’s a huge honour for Indian Football. Being an inductee into AFC’s Hall of Fame is recognition of all his hard work and commitment. We at AIFF are very proud of his achievements and look forward for his involvement as we move ahead.”
Image: Wikipedia