FIFA remains convinced of football's potential in the world's second most populous nation, its belief bookended by the successful hosting of the U-17 World Cup last year.
India are placed in Group A along with Bahrain, Thailand and hosts United Arab Emirates in the tournament slated to be held from January.
India were thrashed by their opponents in 2011 and returned home without a point, but this time around, things could be different, believes Bhutia.
In a tweet, the country's soccer icon also said he has quit all the official and political posts of the Trinamool Congress, which he joined ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Bhutia also emphasised on the importance of having health insurance for national-level athletes.
Majid Khan, who is considered one of the most promising football players from the valley, reportedly joined terrorist outfit LeT.
Former India football captain Bhutia, who retired in 2011 agreed with the view of the football officials and the experts that the first ever FIFA tournament in the country, will be a "game changer".
The U-17 World Cup, the first FIFA tournament to be held in India, will be played across six venues from October 6-28.
Bengaluru-based teenager Ishan Pandita has inked a one-year deal with international club Deportivo Leganes, making him the first Indian to get a professional contract from a La Liga club. Leganes, a club located on
Kolkata: Former Indian soccer capatain Bhaichuing Bhutia on Wednesday opposed any move to merge the I-League with the Indian Super League, saying if such a step was taken, the latter would lose its charm."I doubt
Kolkata: A day after India suffered a humiliating defeat to Guam in a 2018 World Cup qualifying match, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia said that the team had less time for preparation."You always have bad
Mumbai: Two men who possess experience of having coached in India as well as at the international level, Englishman Stephen Constantine and New Zealander Ricki Herbert, have been short-listed to take over from Dutchman Wim
Kolkata: It was in famous red-and-gold East Bengal jersey that 17-year-old Bhaichung Bhutia came into prominence back in 1995 and after nearly two decades, one of India's greatest ever footballer is going to play what
Kolkata: Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia picked Atletico de Kolkata ahead of Kerala Blasters FC as the hot favourites to win the inaugural Indian Super League title. "Final is all about a knock-out match and with
Manila: Former Indian national football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia was honoured with the AFC Hall of Fame Award on occasion of the Asian Football Confederation's 60th anniversary here Sunday.FIFA president Sepp Blatter presented the award
New Delhi: Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been inducted into the AFC's Hall of Fame, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said today. The AIFF said it got a letter from Dato Alex Soosay, General
Mumbai: Football franchises spent around Rs 24 crore in the two-day domestic player draft for the upcoming inaugural Indian Super League, which concluded. "The Rs 24 crore that was spent (by franchises) was a lot
New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Wednesday decided to form a special committee that would have Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chettri, who will give technical advice for the 2017 U-17 World Cup.The AIFF
Gorubathan (WB): Trinamool Congress will play a vital role in the formation of the next government at the Centre and no one can form it without the party's support, its chief Mamata Banerjee claimed today.
Darjeeling: Bhaichung Bhutia, India's football icon even though he retired from the game some years ago, is now aiming to score a "goal" in his maiden appearance on the tricky political turf as he battles
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