8216;Nehru Cup win a stepping-stone8217;

Starting his journey in 1992, Bhutia who is India8217;s highest paid footballer, became an asset of many big clubs of the country as well as abroad before becoming the captain of the National Squad, the biggest thing to have happened to Indian football. Ashok Kumar talks to Bhaichung Bhutia.

What do you think clicked for India in the final of the Nehru Cup?

The victory in the Nehru cup final was the result the teamwork. We were supporting each other to make our way through the finals. We worked on the minutes of the techniques of the game and implemented it in our sport, which eventually paid us off.

Do you think this victory will help resurgence of Indian football?

I hope that that this victory Nehru Cup will help us in getting the desired boost. It is like a stepping-stone for our future adventures and I sincerely feel it does change things for Indian football.

After this victory, what is you next dream target?

Well, we are focusing on the World Cup qualifying match. Of the two matches based on the home and away format one will be played in India and the other in Lebanon.

What did our team showed in final, which it could not show in the recent years?

I think we did pretty well, particularly in the final of the Nehru cup. We did not concede early goals, which gave us the mileage over the rivals.

Do you see a significant change in the attitude of the team unlike the past?

I think we were very positive during the final of the Nehru Cup. We have been playing well before the final as well, which gave us a lot of confidence. This confidence gave us the positive attitude, which we kept throughout the match.

Why did you choose to play football in a nation that is said to be cricket crazy?

Because, in my hometown, only football is played, I started playing football early in life.

Have you seen the sports based movie Chak De India? If yes what have you to say about such movies?

I have not seen Chak De India as yet. But I have heard that it is a good movie and will see it very soon.

Do you think this victory will attract more media glare?

I hope it football will attract more attention than what it has been getting so far.

As a captain of the Indian team what according to you are the major handicaps of Indian football?

India badly needs good infrastructure, in terms of grounds and other basic facilities. Apart from them youth development programmes to nurture new talent for the game should also be initiated.

How do you see the future of Indian football after this spectacular victory in the Nehru Cup?

Nehru Cup victory is like a starter for us, which will lead us to more achievements. It will help generate a lot of interest in the youth of the country towards the game and make it more popular.