Saturday, April 26, 2025

India-Bayern tie to be Bhutia’s swansong

Date:

Share post:

New Delhi: India’s friendly match against German football giant, Bayern Munich in January next year here will be Indian legend Bhaichung Bhutia’s “official farewell match”, the AIFF said today.

India will play Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich in a friendly here at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on January 10 next year, and AIFF decided to honour Bhaichung for his stellar contribution to Indian football on the occasion.

“I am grateful to Bayern Munich for coming over to Delhi and playing a match against the Senior Indian National Team.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will utilise the opportunity and the match will be the official farewell match for Bhaichung Bhutia,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said at a function at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium premises today.

“The Ministry of Sports is keen in turning the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into a football hub and this match against Bayern Munich will only facilitate the process. Hopefully, it will be an occasion to remember for long,” he added.

The already-retired Bhaichung, who was also present on the occasion, thanked AIFF for giving him one last chance to don the national colours.

“I’d always wanted to retire playing a match. I stay grateful to the AIFF for giving me an opportunity to play my last match,” the former India captain.

“It’s a challenge for me. I need to get fit and be in shape to play against the world famous club.”

Bhaichung retired from international football in August this year at the age of 34. He had 109 international caps under his belt and scored 43 goals during his illustrious career. (PTI)

Related articles

Bengal: NIA talks to widow & daughter of Pahalgam victim for over four hours

Kolkata, April 26: National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, on Saturday, spoke to the widow and daughter of Late...

Meghalaya CM attends funeral service of Pope Francis

Shillong, April 26: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, attended the funeral service of His Holiness Pope Francis...

Govt issues advisory on media reporting of defence operations

New Delhi, April 26: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday issued an advisory directing all media...

Pakistan open for ‘neutral, transparent and credible investigation’ into Pahalgam terror attack: PM Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad, April 26: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed the country's readiness to participate in any...