Bhaichung Bhutia, a name synonymous with Indian football, left an indelible mark on the sport. This post delves into his life, both on and off the field, exploring his remarkable career and personal journey.
Biography/Wiki
Bhaichung Bhutia, affectionately known as the “Sikkimese Sniper,” was born on December 15, 1976, in Tinkitam, Sikkim, India. His incredible fitness is evident even today, frequently showcasing his skills on social media. His 16-year international career with the Indian national team, ending in 2011, cemented his legendary status. His prowess as a centre-forward, his ability to consistently score goals earned him the moniker, “Sikkimese Sniper.”
Physical Features
Bhutia stands at a height of 5’8″ (173 cm) and weighs approximately 67 kg (150 lbs). His physique is impressive, with measurements of 42 inches chest, 32 inches waist, and 15 inches biceps. He is distinguished by his black hair and dark eyes.
Education & Career
Raised in Sikkim, Bhutia’s early education was at Saint Xavier’s School, Pakyong. His passion for football was evident from a young age. At 14, he joined the Boys Club in Gangtok under his uncle, Karma Bhutia. Further honing his skills at Sikkim’s Tashi Namgyal Academy and SAI Gangtok, he was recognized as the best player in the 1992 Subroto Cup. Bhaskar Ganguly, a former Indian goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in guiding his transition to Calcutta football.
At 16, he joined East Bengal FC, marking the beginning of his professional career. In 1999, he became only the second Indian player, after Mohammed Salim, to play in a European club, signing with Bury FC in the English third division. A significant milestone came on April 15, 2000, when he became the first Asian player to score in an English professional game.
His leadership as captain of the Indian national team led to numerous victories, including the LG Cup in Vietnam (2002), three South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championships, two Nehru Cups (2007 and 2009), and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, securing a place in the 2011 Asian Cup. I.M. Vijayan, a three-time Indian Player of the Year, famously described Bhutia as “God’s gift to Indian football.”
He announced his retirement from international football on August 24, 2011, with a farewell match against Bayern Munich in 2012. His contributions extended beyond playing; he served as interim manager of United Sikkim (2012), returned to East Bengal for a final stint (2015), and later became the manager of Sikkim (2018). He also established football schools in Delhi in partnership with Carlos Queiroz and Nike.
Family
Born to Dorji Dorma and Sonam Topden, Bhutia grew up with two elder brothers, Bom Bom Bhutia and Chewang Bhutia, and an elder sister, Cali. He married Madhuri Tipnis, a hotel professional, on December 30, 2004. They had two daughters, Samara Dechen Bhutia and Keisha Dolkar Bhutia, and a son, Ugen Kalzang Bhutia. The couple divorced in 2015 after 11 years of marriage.
Records/Achievements
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1996-97 | Top Goal Scorer | JCT FC |
| 1996 | Indian Player of the Year | |
| 1997 | First Hat-trick | Against Mohun Bagan, playing for East Bengal FC |
| 2005-06 | Player of the National Football League | Awarded by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), playing for East Bengal |
Awards
- Arjuna Award for Football (1998)
- Padma Shri (2008)
- Banga Bhushan (2014)
Religion & Politics
From a Buddhist background, Bhutia identifies as an atheist. His political career included joining the Trinamool Congress and contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections (Darjeeling constituency), which he lost. In 2018, he formed his own party, “Hamro Sikkim Party,” after parting ways with the Trinamool Congress.
Facts
- Supports Arsenal and Barcelona.
- Favourites players include Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi, and Ronaldinho.
- Non-vegetarian and a non-smoker.
- Enjoys basketball and dancing.
- Refused to carry the Olympic torch in 2008 in support of the Tibetan independence movement.
- Won the dance reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” in 2009.
- Had a dispute with Mohun Bagan in 2009, leading to his suspension.
- Survived the 2011 Sikkim earthquake and helped raise funds for victims.
Assets & Net Worth
Bhutia’s assets include over ?3.88 crore in movable assets (jewelry, an Audi car, bank balance, and investments), and immovable properties (plots in Kolkata and Sikkim) totaling ?13.47 crore. His net worth was estimated at ?17 crore in 2016.
