"We have very very few world champion. It's not easy to become one and Anand has done it five times. It's really a great, great achievement. He is an icon for all the chess players," Bhutia said.
"It's not me to decide to confer Bharat Ratna on him. But his success would not be any less if is not given. There is Sachin Tendulkar, and Leander Paes who also deserves it having won the Grand Slam for 13 times."
Asked to comment on Wim Koevermans who is all set to become the Indian football coach, Bhutia said it's important to give some time to the former Dutch International.
"We have got a high profile coach who has played at the highest level. It's important that the AIFF gives him enough time and support him.
"I've always said if Indian football has to advance the national team has to do well. For that the clubs also need to supply quality, talented footballers to support the coach."
On whether Indian football was going through a tough phase with many youngsters and the experienced ones like Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli in their 30s, Bhutia said it was not a worrying sign.
"It happens with every team. They are all senior players who can still play for some more time," he said. MORE
