10 years since Bhaichung Bhutia played his last match for India

Doha, Jan 18 : Only a handful of people would have guessed that Bhaichung Bhutia was playing his last game in India colours when he came on as a second-half substitute against Korea Republic in the AFC Asian Cup 2011 in Qatar. After missing out on the first two games against Australia and Bahrain with an injury, the skipper came on to the pitch to save a failing India. However, his efforts went in vain.
The Indian team was battered 4-1. And that marked the end of the glorious career of Bhutia — one of the greatest footballers India has ever produced.
“Being with the team and travelling with them are the two things I miss the most,” said Bhutia in a media release shared by FIFA World Cup 2022 on the 10th anniversary of his last appearance for India.
When he hung up his international boots, he was the only Indian player to have reached the 100-match mark for the country. In 1995, he scored his debut international goal against Uzbekistan in the Nehru Cup, which made him India’s youngest ever goal-scorer at just 19. But how has been the second half of his life? “It has been very good, exciting and challenging. I have been getting into new stints, venturing new scopes, that’s why it has been interesting. Whereas, fatherhood and kids have been challenging (smiles),” said the former player.
Although Bhutia could play only 12 minutes in Qatar, he had an unforgettable experience in the middle-eastern country. Moreover, what amazes him is the progress made by The Maroons in the last decade both on and off the pitch.