Ex-India star Thapa willing to teach football

India's former footballer Shyam Thapa today expressed his willingness to take up the job of technical director at the proposed residential academy here.
When asked about it, Thapa, who built his house recently in the hill town (his in-laws' place), said, "Yes, if Himachal government agrees, I am ready to work, definitely for Himachal and particularly for the lovely Dharamsala."
Considering the serene environment here, Thapa said the academy can produce good players if he is given six to eight years' time.
"No one in position of power in the government is serious about football in India accept in Kolkatta, this is the only cause of Indian football's downfall. It is not only the duty of a single Tata Academy to care for this game," he added.

The former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan star was a member of the Indian team that won bronze at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok.