West Bengal: Govt gives green signal to Baichung’s football academy

January 9, 2012

The much-awaited academy of former Indian football skipper Baichung Bhutia got the green signal from the West Bengal Government and it will come up in Siliguri. The legendary footballer is looking forward to setting up a world class facility with three artificial turfs in Siliguri. Bhutia also owns a club United Sikkim FC.

Factbox: Baichung Bhutia

Baichung was the first Indian athlete to boycott the Olympic torch relay in support of the Tibetan independence movement.

Awards:
Arjuna Award : 1998
Padma Shri : 2008

Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, Delhi
On 28 October 2010 he started Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in Delhi in partnership with Football by Carlos Queiroz and Nike, Inc
Baichung Stadium
Baichung Stadium is a football stadium in Namchi, the district headquarters of South Sikkim district in the state of Sikkim, India.
The stadium was built in honour of Baichung Bhutia,in honour of his contribution to Indian football (first player to have such honour while he is still playing) The state plans to actively promote the sport made popular after Bhutia became the first Indian to play in a European league and captain the national team.