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Bhutia says Indian football needs committed administrators

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Press Trust of India Ranchi
Last Updated : Oct 21 2013 | 7:26 PM IST
Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia today said that even renowned coach Alex Ferguson would not be able to take India into World Cup without proper infrastructure and involvement of committed people in the running of the game in the country.
"We need right people, right infrastructure, right motivation and willingness to take the game forward. They (people involved in betterment of football in India) should not be there just to take positions," Bhutia told PTI here.
"Tomorrow (even if) you bring Alex Ferguson to India he is not going to take us to World Cup. But what Fergusons can do is to train 20 to 25 guys who will get the benefit and later these players will impart their ideas to other players," he said.
Asked whether football fans could see India qualifying World Cup in their life time, he said, "It is possible. When North Korea has done it, I think India can do it too. But people involved in the game like players coaches and district to state associations should really be quality people dedicated to the sport. We need infrastructure and exposure."
Bhutia was here along with Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to associate with NGO 'Hip Hip Hurray' to promote a sports-based curriculum to engage children and youth in Jharkhand. He cited the example how Dhoni loves football from his heart.
"Good thing is that Dhoni enjoys and loves sports and football. It is not only (a kind of) show-off thing. It comes from his heart. It's nice that players like Dhoni are engaged in promoting football," Bhutia said.
Stating that football has been going through a phase where a lot of things have to be done in the country, Bhutia said people involved in the game should show their commitment to work for its development.
"I am not only saying about football federation but also states and district associations should also get totally involved if they really want to do something better for the game," Bhutia said.

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First Published: Oct 21 2013 | 7:26 PM IST

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