:Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia was born in an agricultural family. Both of his parents were farmers in Sikkim and were originally not keen on Bhutia's interest in sports. His father died in his childhood, but after encouragement from his uncle, Karma Bhutia, he started his education at St. Xavier's School, Pakyong, Sikkim. At the age of nine he won a football scholarship from SAI to attend the Tashi Namgyal Academy in Gangtok.{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaoye.com/baichungbhutia.htm|title=Celebrity Profile – Baichung Bhutia, football player|publisher=IndiaOye.com|access-date=11 June 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012195144/http://www.indiaoye.com/baichungbhutia.htm |archive-date = 12 October 2007|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|date=12 May 2021|title=SportMob – Best Indian football players of all time: Bhaichung Bhutia|url=https://sportmob.com/en/article/967888-Best-Indian-football-players-of-all-time|access-date=28 January 2022|website=SportMob.com|archive-date=9 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809100523/https://sportmob.com/en/article/967888-Best-Indian-football-players-of-all-time}}

Bhutia went on to play for several schools and local clubs in his home state of Sikkim, including the Gangtok-based Boys Club, which was managed by Karma. His performance at the 1992 Subroto Cup, where he won the "Best Player" award, brought him to the notice of the football establishment. Former India goalkeeper Bhaskar Ganguly spotted his talent and helped him make the transition to Calcutta football.{{cite news|url=http://www.iloveindia.com/sports/football/players/baichung.html|title=Baichung Bhutia Profile|publisher=Iloveindia.com|access-date=10 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090520022046/http://www.iloveindia.com/sports/football/players/baichung.html| archive-date= 20 May 2009 | url-status= live}} In addition to football, Bhutia also represented his school at badminton, basketball, and athletics.{{cite news|url=http://sikkiminfo.net/bhaichung.htm|title=Baichung Bhutia Profile|publisher=Sikkiminfo.net|access-date=20 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708140118/http://www.sikkiminfo.net/bhaichung.htm|archive-date=8 July 2008}}

Image:Salt Lake Stadium - Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.jpg – home stadium of East Bengal Club and Mohun Bagan]]

In 1993, at the age of sixteen, Bhutia left school to join the professional East Bengal F.C. in Kolkata.{{cite news|url=http://www.jeetegakaun.in/ndtv_indian_of_the_year_2007/baichung_bhutia/|title=Baichung Bhutia's Profile|publisher=Jeetega Kaun|access-date=10 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090528095525/http://www.jeetegakaun.in/ndtv_indian_of_the_year_2007/baichung_bhutia/| archive-date= 28 May 2009 | url-status= live}} Two years later, he transferred to JCT Mills in Phagwara, which went on to win the India National Football League in the 1996–97 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india97.html|title=India 1996/97|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090611104712/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india97.html| archive-date= 11 June 2009 | url-status= live}} Bhutia was the top goalscorer in the league, and was chosen to make his international debut in the Nehru Cup. He was named "1996 Indian Player of the Year".

In 1997, Bhutia returned to East Bengal. He has the distinction of scoring the first hat-trick in the local derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, when he registered one in East Bengal's 4–1 victory in the 1997 Federation Cup semi-final.{{cite news|url=http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/club/ebmb.asp|title=East Bengal Vs. Mohun Bagan|publisher=East Bengal Football Club|access-date=20 June 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720135022/http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/club/ebmb.asp|archive-date=20 July 2011}} He became team captain in the 1998–99 season, during which East Bengal finished second behind Salgaocar in the league.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india99.html|title=India 1998/99|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090611102350/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india99.html| archive-date= 11 June 2009 | url-status= live}} Furthermore, he became the 19th footballer to receive the Arjuna Award in 1999, which the Government of India gives out to athletes to recognise their "outstanding achievements" in national sports.

{{Quote box | width=30% | align=left | quote= "His presence will be a big boost to the confidence of many Asian youngsters."|source= Piara Power, Let's Kick Racism Out of Football campaign co-ordinator, after Bhutia signed for Bury. }}

Bhutia has had limited opportunities in playing overseas. On 30 September 1999, he travelled overseas to play for Bury in Greater Manchester, England. He became only the second Indian footballer to play professionally in Europe after Mohammed Salim.{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/barefooted_indian_who_left_calcutta_to_join_celtic_1_1151472|title=Barefooted Indian who left Calcutta to join Celtic|publisher=The Scotsman|date=12 December 2008|access-date=10 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116193832/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/barefooted_indian_who_left_calcutta_to_join_celtic_1_1151472|archive-date=16 January 2014|url-status=live}} By penning a three-year contract he also became the first Indian footballer to sign for a European club.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/461934.stm|title=Indian striker joins English club|work=BBC|date=30 September 1999|access-date=9 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223164649/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/461934.stm|archive-date=23 December 2002|url-status=live}} This followed unsuccessful trials for Bhutia with Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990723/isp23010.html|title=Fulham no to Bhutia|author=Kulwinder Singh|publisher=Indian Express|date=23 July 1999|access-date=8 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607104108/http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990723/isp23010.html|archive-date=7 June 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/1999/aug/11bhutia.htm|title=Bhutia set to join Bury of England|publisher=Rediff|date=11 August 1999|access-date=8 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701123441/http://www.rediff.com/sports/1999/aug/11bhutia.htm|archive-date=1 July 2009|url-status=live}} He had difficulty in obtaining a visa and could not make his debut, until 3 October 1999 against Cardiff City.{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/jan/230109-Sunil-Chetri-Bhaichung-Bhutia-Indian-football-National-Football-League-Coventry-City.htm|title=Bhutia's word of caution for Coventry-bound Chetri|author=Sanjjeev K Samyal|publisher=Mid-day.com|date=23 January 2009|access-date=1 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403012956/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/jan/230109-Sunil-Chetri-Bhaichung-Bhutia-Indian-football-National-Football-League-Coventry-City.htm|archive-date=3 April 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.mohunbaganac.com/SEPT08/playerdetails.php?playerId=2|url-status=dead|title=15 – Bhaichung|publisher=Mohun Bagan A.C.|access-date=10 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216115247/http://mohunbaganac.com/SEPT08/playerdetails.php?playerId=2|archive-date=16 February 2009}} In that match, he came on as a substitute for Ian Lawson and played a part in Bury's second goal, which was scored by Darren Bullock after Bhutia's volley was deflected into his path.{{cite news|url=http://old.indianfootball.com/news/m199910.html|title=News for the month of October|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Arunava Chaudhuri|date=31 October 1999|access-date=10 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107054132/http://www.indianfootball.com/news/m199910.html|archive-date=7 January 2009|url-status=dead}} On 15 April 2000, he scored his first goal in the English league in the game against Chesterfield.{{cite news|url=http://old.indianfootball.com/news/m200004.html|title=News for the month of April|work=IndianFootball.com|date=15 April 2000|access-date=3 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217055027/http://indianfootball.com/news/m200004.html|archive-date=17 February 2008|url-status=dead}} A recurring knee injury limited him to only three games in his final season at Bury, and he was released after the club was placed in administration.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bury/1948757.stm|title=Bury release Bhutia|work=BBC|date=24 April 2002|access-date=8 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021019203014/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bury/1948757.stm|archive-date=19 October 2002|url-status=live}} His final appearance was a 3–0 defeat to Swindon Town on 27 August 2001.

In 2002, Bhutia returned to India and played for Mohun Bagan for a year.{{cite news |url=http://www.mohunbaganclub.com/History-2000-2004.html |title=Mohun Bagan History 2000–2004 |publisher=Mohun Bagan Club |access-date=22 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119180022/http://www.mohunbaganclub.com/History-2000-2004.html |archive-date=19 January 2010}} However, this was largely unsuccessful as he was injured early in the season and failed to play again that season, missing Mohun Bagan's only trophy win; the All Airlines Gold Cup.

Afterwards, Bhutia again returned to the East Bengal Club, helping them to win the ASEAN Club Championship.

File:Bhaichung Bhutia.jpg Noorani Football stadium]]

He scored a goal in the final, a 3–1 win over Tero Sasana, and was named the "man of the match". He finished as the top scorer of the Championship with nine goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/jul/26foot2.htm|title=East Bengal lift ASEAN Cup|publisher=Rediff|date=26 July 2007|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003102228/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/jul/26foot2.htm|archive-date=3 October 2008|url-status=live}} He also scored in the 1–1 draw against Petrokimia Putra and scored five goals in a 6–0 win against Philippine Army in the same tournament.{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030717/sports.htm#1|title=Bhutia stars in East Bengal win|publisher=Tribune India|date=16 July 2003|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010212331/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030717/sports.htm#1|archive-date=10 October 2008|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/28278/|title=East Bengal script soccer history|publisher=Indian Express|date=25 July 2003|access-date=20 June 2009}}

Bhutia signed up to play for Perak FA, the Malaysian championship club, from August to October 2003 on loan and returned to East Bengal Club for the regular season.{{cite news|url=http://old.indianfootball.com/bhutia/news/bbn082003.html|title=Bhutia July / August 2003|publisher=IndianFootball.com|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090644/http://old.indianfootball.com/bhutia/news/bbn082003.html|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=dead}} However, his stint at Perak FA ended in a 3–1 defeat against Sabah FA in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals, after which Bhutia described himself as the "villain of the piece".{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/32474/|title=Bhutia winds up Perak stint on a sad note|website=www.indianexpress.com|publisher=The Indian Express|date=30 September 2003|access-date=20 June 2009|first=Micky|last=Aigner|location=Pune|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215125445/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/bhutia-winds-up-perak-stint-on-a-sad-note/}}

In the 2003–04 season, Bhutia scored 12 goals as East Bengal won the league by four points from second-placed Dempo.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/nfl03-04.htm|title=8th National Football League 2003–04|publisher=Rediff|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130093014/http://www.rediff.com/sports/nfl03-04.htm|archive-date=30 January 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india04.html|title=India 2003/04|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090609202906/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india04.html| archive-date= 9 June 2009 | url-status= live}} During the 2004–05 season, Bhutia scored nine goals for East Bengal, which finished in third place behind SC Goa and champions Dempo.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india05.html|title=India 2004/05|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090609202911/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india05.html| archive-date= 9 June 2009 | url-status= live}} He continued to play for East Bengal until the end of the 2005–06 season. In his final season there he was awarded the "Player of the National Football League" by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a season where he scored 12 goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=176|title=Bhaichung is Player of the National Football League|publisher=East Bengal FC|date=27 May 2006|access-date=22 June 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720135054/http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=176|archive-date=20 July 2011}} Despite this, East Bengal finished runners-up to Mahindra United in the league.{{cite news|url=http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=174|title=East Bengal edges past JCT to emerge NFL Runners-up|publisher=East Bengal FC|date=15 May 2006|access-date=22 June 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720135110/http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com/search/index.asp?news_id=174|archive-date=20 July 2011}}

In 2005, Bhutia signed for another Malaysian club, Selangor MK Land.{{cite web|author=Deepti Patwardhan|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/vGkmDDVwM1dU7rWrUVXgWP/Indian-footballers-on-the-move.html?facet=amp|title=Indian footballers on the move|website=Live Mint|date=7 May 2015|access-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528152358/http://www.livemint.com:80/Leisure/vGkmDDVwM1dU7rWrUVXgWP/Indian-footballers-on-the-move.html|archive-date=28 May 2015}} He made five appearances only, scoring one goal, as the club had monetary problems. Before, he received an offer from then Home United manager Steve Darby, but rejected the offer. Darby later revealed that he failed to sign Bhutia because the offer he made was less than what he was getting in India that time.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2011/08/06/2606767/i-league-there-are-better-players-in-indian-football-now|title=I-League: There Are Better Players In Indian Football Now – Mohun Bagan Coach Steve Darby|first1=Amoy|last1=Ghoshal|first2=Rahul|last2=Sengupta|publisher=Goal.com|date=6 August 2011|access-date=30 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925115127/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2011/08/06/2606767/i-league-there-are-better-players-in-indian-football-now|archive-date=25 September 2011|url-status=live}}

{{Quote box | width=30% | align=left | quote= "I will try to live up to the expectations of Mohun Bagan supporters and bring success to the team this time."|source= Bhaichung Bhutia, on signing for Mohun Bagan a second time.{{cite news|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/sport/soccer/article_1172852.php/Baichung_Bhutia_signs_for_Mohun_Bagan |title=Baichung Bhutia signs for Mohun Bagan |publisher=Monsters and Critics |date=15 June 2006 |access-date=11 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002051945/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/sport/soccer/article_1172852.php/Baichung_Bhutia_signs_for_Mohun_Bagan |archive-date=2 October 2012 |df=dmy }} }}

On 15 June 2006, he joined Mohun Bagan and formed an attacking partnership with Jose Ramirez Barreto. However, the 2006–07 season was a poor one for Bhutia and Mohun Bagan as they finished eighth in the league, just one position above relegation.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india07.html|title=India 2006/07|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=22 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090609201305/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india07.html| archive-date= 9 June 2009 | url-status= live}} During the 2007–08 season (the league was now known as the I-League), Bhutia scored 10 goals in 18 matches, and Mohun Bagan finished slightly higher in the league in fourth place.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india08.html|title=India 2007/08|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|date=18 September 2008|access-date=22 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090609203908/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india08.html| archive-date= 9 June 2009 | url-status= live}} Bhutia won the Indian Player of the Year for the second time in 2008. In winning the award, he became only the second footballer to win it more than once; the other was I. M. Vijayan.{{cite news|url=http://www.topnews.in/bhaichung-bhutia-declared-aiff-player-year-2100937|title=Bhaichung Bhutia Is Declared As The AIFF Player of the Year!|publisher=Topnews.in|author=Ashok Rao|date=24 December 2008|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309233756/http://www.topnews.in/bhaichung-bhutia-declared-aiff-player-year-2100937|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=live}} In the 2008–09 season, despite a 10-match winning streak, Mohun Bagan finished in second place behind Churchill Brothers because of a final day loss to Mahindra United.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/126|title=I-LEAGUE 2008/09 – Mohun Bagan AC – The runners-up|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Swagatam Banerjee|date=17 April 2009|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090825/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/126|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live}} Bhutia finished the season with six goals.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/ileague08.html|title=I-League 2008–09 coverage|publisher=Rediff|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409162013/http://www.rediff.com/sports/ileague08.html|archive-date=9 April 2009|url-status=live}}

On 18 May 2009, Bhutia announced he would quit Mohun Bagan, due to the questioning of his footballing commitment by the club's officials.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/788|title=Baichung to quit Mohun Bagan|author=Chris Punnakkattu Daniel|publisher=IndianFootball.com|date=18 May 2009|access-date=8 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090521082804/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/788| archive-date= 21 May 2009 | url-status= live}} As a result of the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa incident, he was suspended for six months by Mohun Bagan.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/925|title=Baichung suspended for 6 months|author=Pit Ruddy|publisher=IndianFootball.com|date=8 June 2009|access-date=8 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090630040546/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/925| archive-date= 30 June 2009 | url-status= live}} Bhutia was quoted saying "It is just a ploy to keep me at Mohun Bagan for another season. But I will not play for them any more."

{{Quote box | width=25% | align=right | quote= "I want to tell the millions of East Bengal supporters that I am going to finish my career here. It is not going to be a matter of [a] few months but for the rest of my life."|source= Bhaichung Bhutia, on signing for East Bengal a fourth time. }}

Bhutia was reported to have officially signed for East Bengal on 22 June 2009, on a one-year contract, announcing that he would end his playing career at the club.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bhutia-to-stay-with-eb-till-retirement/479974/|title=Bhutia to stay with EB till retirement|publisher=Indian Express|date=23 June 2009|access-date=30 August 2009|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215125405/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/bhutia-to-stay-with-eb-till-retirement/|url-status=live}} Upon signing for East Bengal, Bhutia declared it to be his homecoming, "This is really my homecoming. This is the club from where it all started and it is here where it is going to end."{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1056|title=Baichung Bhutia signs for East Bengal|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Pit Ruddy|date=22 June 2009|access-date=24 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084559/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1056|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live}} The situation was further complicated, however, as Mohun Bagan's general secretary Anjan Mitra said "Our contract with Bhaichung is perfectly legal and he has one more year left with us."{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bhutia-to-meet-bagan-on-aug-17/500850/|title=Bhutia to meet Bagan on August 17|publisher=Indian Express|author=Shamik Chakrabarty|date=12 August 2009|access-date=30 August 2009|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215125403/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/bhutia-to-meet-bagan-on-aug-17/|url-status=live}} Bhutia's lawyer Usha Nath Banerjee countered this, "I doubt the legality of Bagan's contract. In any case, according to FIFA and AIFF rules, a player who is above 28 years of age is free to make a choice of club in the third year of his contract". Bhutia and Mohun Bagan were set to meet on 17 August in the AIFF headquarters to settle their differences with AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco. On 29 August, it was announced that the issue had not been resolved yet and the outbound Colaco was set to meet Bhutia on 30 August.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1570|title=Colaco not willing to continue|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Rajeeb Mukherjee|date=29 August 2009|access-date=30 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090745/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1570|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live}} No compromise was reached, however, and on 5 September former additional solicitor general Amrendra Sharan was appointed to look into the dispute.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1615|title=Arbitrator named|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Arunava Chaudhuri|date=5 September 2009|access-date=5 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907175634/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1615|archive-date=7 September 2009|url-status=live}} On 10 September, Bhutia filed defamation charges, claiming damages of {{INR}}10 million, against Mohun Bagan for "trying to tarnish his reputation".{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1650|title=Bhutia files defamation suit|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Arunava Chaudhuri|date=10 September 2009|access-date=11 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090857/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1650|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live}} Bhutia was granted interim relief on 26 September, but the case between Mohun Bagan and Bhutia is set to continue until a final verdict is reached.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1755|title=Bhutia gets interim relief, can play for East Bengal|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Rajeeb Mukherjee|date=26 September 2009|access-date=29 September 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091001143918/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1755| archive-date= 1 October 2009 | url-status= live}} On 4 November, it was revealed that Mohun Bagan had approached football's governing body FIFA to intervene in the dispute with Bhutia.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2009/11/04/1604168/mohun-bagan-approach-fifa-for-bhaichung-bhutia-case|title=Mohun Bagan Approach FIFA For Bhaichung Bhutia Case|publisher=Goal.com|author=Rahul Bali|date=4 November 2009|access-date=10 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110556/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2009/11/04/1604168/mohun-bagan-approach-fifa-for-bhaichung-bhutia-case|archive-date=6 October 2012|url-status=live}}

The start of the 2010–11 season would be without Bhutia until the end of January as the India national team prepared and participated in the Asian Cup from November to January. Though laid low by injuries in recent months, Bhutia believes he would return next season after taking a three-month break and if he ever decides to quit, he would do it from East Bengal.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/I-will-retire-from-East-Bengal-says-Bhutia/articleshow/7354784.cms|title=I will retire from East Bengal, says Bhutia|date=24 January 2011|access-date=24 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104123456/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-24/top-stories/28356031_1_east-bengal-footballers-durand-cup|archive-date=4 November 2012|work=The Times of India|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Bhutia joined United Sikkim as a player-coach.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/baichung-bhutia-begins-stint-as-sikkim-fc-coach/articleshow/17220883.cms|title=Baichung Bhutia begins stint as Sikkim FC coach}}

On 12 February 2015, it was announced that Bhutia would return to East Bengal for the final time on a half-season contract, after which he would retire from professional football. Having retired from India colours in 2011 against South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup, Bhutia last season said he wished to retire donning red and gold colours "one last time".

"But I don't see that happening. I am really struggling with my knee injury and not in a shape to play the top-tier I-League for East Bengal. You can say that I am not going to play club again," Bhutia told reporters at the launch of East Bengal's residential academy in BA-CA ground in Salt Lake.{{cite web|title=Troubled knee won't let me play one last time for East Bengal: Baichung Bhutia|date=16 January 2016|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/football/160116/troubled-knee-won-t-let-me-play-one-last-time-for-east-bengal-baichung-bhutia.html|access-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111202116/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/football/160116/troubled-knee-won-t-let-me-play-one-last-time-for-east-bengal-baichung-bhutia.html|archive-date=11 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Bhaichung Bhutia signs for East Bengal|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2015/02/12/8851932/bhaichung-bhutia-signs-for-east-bengal|website=Goal.com|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215045551/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/1064/i-league/2015/02/12/8851932/bhaichung-bhutia-signs-for-east-bengal|archive-date=15 February 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Indian Team.JPG

Bhaichung made his senior international debut in the Nehru Cup against Thailand at the age of 19 on 10 March 1995.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Baichung-Bhutia-bids-goodbye-to-international-football/articleshow/9719409.cms|title=Baichung Bhutia bids goodbye to international football|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329130206/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Baichung-Bhutia-bids-goodbye-to-international-football/articleshow/9719409.cms|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2011/08/24/baichung-bhutia-retires-from-international-football/|title=Baichung Bhutia retires from international football - www.chrispd.de|access-date=31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018223050/http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2011/08/24/baichung-bhutia-retires-from-international-football/|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=live}} Bhutia scored for India against Uzbekistan in the 1995 Nehru Cup becoming India's youngest ever goalscorer, at 19.{{cite news|url=http://www.socceragenepal.com.np/newsoccer/news/interview.php?action=interview&sno=65 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724190323/http://www.socceragenepal.com.np/newsoccer/news/interview.php?action=interview&sno=65 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 July 2011 |title=Soccer Age Nepal – Bhaichung Bhutia interview |publisher=Soccer Age Nepal |access-date=20 June 2009 }} In the 1997 SAFF Championship, India beat the Maldives 5–1 in the final, Bhutia was responsible for one goal. Two years later, the tournament was held in Goa and India successfully defended their title by beating Bangladesh 2–0 in the final. Bhutia scored the second goal for India after Bruno Coutinho opened the scoring and Bhutia was named as the tournament's most valuable player.{{cite news|url=http://sundaytimes.lk/990509/sports3.html|title=India maintains superiority|publisher=Sundaytimes.lk|author=Annesley Ferreira|access-date=21 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903113030/http://sundaytimes.lk/990509/sports3.html|archive-date=3 September 2010|url-status=live}}

He also netted two goals in the final of the 2002 LG Cup held in Vietnam, in which India beat the host nation 3–2,{{cite web|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/article/indian-football-down-the-years-looking-back-at-the-glorious-moments#|title=Indian Football Down the Years: Looking back at the glorious moments|first=AIFF|last=Media Team|website=www.the-aiff.com|publisher=All India Football Federation|language=en|trans-title=|location=New Delhi|agency=|date=15 August 2022|access-date=20 October 2022|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921011335/https://www.the-aiff.com/article/indian-football-down-the-years-looking-back-at-the-glorious-moments}} Bhutia's goals came either side of half-time.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2002/aug/10foot.htm|title=India win LG Cup football|publisher=Rediff|date=10 August 2002|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204061422/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2002/aug/10foot.htm|archive-date=4 December 2007|url-status=live}} The football tournament of the 2003 Afro-Asian Games saw India finish as runners-up behind Uzbekistan. Bhutia scored two goals in the tournament, both of which came in the 5–3 semi-final win over Zimbabwe.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafrgam01.html|title=Afro-Asian Games 2003|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=3 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090609175750/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesa/asafrgam01.html| archive-date= 9 June 2009 | url-status= live}} In the 2007 Nehru Cup, Bhutia scored a penalty in a 6–0 victory over Cambodia in the opening match of the tournament.{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-drub-cambodia-60-in-nehru-cup-tournament/47022-5.html|title=India drub Cambodia 6–0 in Nehru Cup tournament|publisher=IBN|date=17 August 2007|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012085954/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-drub-cambodia-60-in-nehru-cup-tournament/47022-5.html|archive-date=12 October 2012|url-status=dead}} He also scored in a 1–0 win over Bangladesh{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-29066820070820|title=India beat battling Bangladesh 1–0 in Nehru Cup|publisher=Reuters India|date=20 August 2007|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215125402/https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-29066820070820?edition-redirect=in|url-status=dead}} and a 3–0 win over Kyrgyzstan.{{cite news|url=http://www.andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=26392|title=India beat Kyrgyzstan 3–0|publisher=Andhra Cafe|date=27 August 2007|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813014335/http://andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=26392|archive-date=13 August 2009|url-status=live}} Bhutia played a significant part in the final as he was involved in the build-up to N. P. Pradeep's winning goal against Syria during which India won 1–0 to become champions.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/30/stories/2007083062172500.htm|title=India wins Nehru Cup|author=Vijay Lokapally|date=30 August 2007|access-date=20 June 2009|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006055305/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/30/stories/2007083062172500.htm|archive-date=6 October 2008|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}}

The next successful SAFF Championship was in 2005 where Bhutia was captain, in the group stages he scored a goal in a 3–0 victory over Bhutan but did not score in the other two matches.{{cite news|url=http://old.indianfootball.com/specials/saffcup2005/news.html|title=SAFF Cup 2005|publisher=Indian Football|access-date=21 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083354/http://old.indianfootball.com/specials/saffcup2005/news.html|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live}} India progressed to the semi-finals during which Bhutia played in the 1–0 win over the Maldives. The final was a repeat of the 1999 final, as Bangladesh were the opposition, and once again India triumphed 2–0 during which Bhutia scored the second goal in the 81st minute from close range after Mehrajuddin Wadoo's 33rd-minute opener.{{cite news|url=http://in.rediff.com/sports/2005/dec/17saff1.htm|title=India win SAFF title|publisher=Rediff|date=17 December 2005|access-date=21 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622033138/http://in.rediff.com/sports/2005/dec/17saff1.htm|archive-date=22 June 2011|url-status=live}} He received the award for the Most Valuable Player and also the Fair Play trophy. The 2008 SAFF Championship started with a 4–0 win over neighbouring Nepal, Bhutia scored the second goal in the 34th minute.{{cite news|url=http://www.maldivesoccer.net/v4/?page=story&id=1962|title=India 4 – 0 Nepal: Champs in control|publisher=Maldive Soccer|date=3 June 2008|access-date=21 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213115238/http://www.maldivesoccer.net/v4/?page=story&id=1962|archive-date=13 February 2012}} It turned out to be Bhutia's only goal of the tournament, however, he did have several chances to score in the semi-final against Bhutan which saw India win 2–1 to reach the final.{{cite news|url=http://maldivesoccer.net/v4/?page=story&id=2001|title=India 2 – 1 Bhutan: Holders into the final|publisher=Maldive Soccer|date=11 June 2008|access-date=21 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213115323/http://maldivesoccer.net/v4/?page=story&id=2001|archive-date=13 February 2012}} In the final, India failed to defend their title after losing 1–0 to the Maldives.

File:The captain of Indian Football team, Shri Bhaichung Bhutia celebrating alongwith other players after winning the final of Nehru Football Cup between India and Syria, in New Delhi on August 29, 2007.jpg captain Bhutia (left) celebrating along with other players after winning the Nehru Cup in 2007]]

He scored twice in a 2–1 victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup against Turkmenistan to reach the semi-finals.{{cite news|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/bhutia-brace-guides-india-to-afc-challenge-cup-semis_10079516.html|title=Bhutia brace guides India to AFC Challenge Cup semis|publisher=Thaindian News|author=Abhishek Roy|date=3 August 2008|access-date=20 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090614032557/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/bhutia-brace-guides-india-to-afc-challenge-cup-semis_10079516.html| archive-date= 14 June 2009 | url-status= live}} The Sikkimese Sniper scored a goal in the final against Tajikistan, during which India won 4–1 thanks to a Sunil Chhetri hat-trick; the victory also allowed them to automatically qualify for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.{{cite news|url=http://www.zeenews.com/news462083.html|title=India beat Tajikistan to clinch AFC Cup|publisher=Zee News|date=13 August 2008|access-date=20 June 2009}} He was also selected as the most valuable player of the tournament, finishing with three goals.

The 2009 Nehru Cup was significant for Bhutia, as he earned his 100th cap for India in a 2–1 win over Kyrgyzstan, becoming the first Indian player to reach this milestone. He also scored the first goal in this match to help the team recover from their opening day defeat to Lebanon.{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-41924520090823|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709193729/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-41924520090823|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2012|title=Bhutia inspires 2–1 win over Kyrgyzstan on 100th appearance|publisher=Reuters India|date=23 August 2009|access-date=24 August 2009}} In the match against Sri Lanka, Bhutia again scored an opening goal which helped India to win 3–1 and solidified their chances of reaching the final. He was adjudged as the "man of the match" for his performance.{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090827/jsp/sports/story_11414252.jsp|title=India clear Lanka hurdle – Hosts bolster final chances as Bhutia, Gourmangi and Dias score in 3–1 win|publisher=Telegraph India|date=27 August 2009|access-date=28 August 2009|author=Jaydeep Basu|location=Calcutta, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830103727/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090827/jsp/sports/story_11414252.jsp|archive-date=30 August 2009|url-status=dead}} Bhutia missed the final match of the round-robin, as India were already guaranteed a spot in the deciding match. He was also adjudged as "Player of the Tournament" for his stellar performances in all of the matches, including the decider where they beat Syria in a penalty shootout.{{cite news|url=http://goal.com/en/news/1263/india-south-central-asia/2009/09/01/1473442/bhaichung-bhutia-named-player-of-the-nehru-cup|title=India Captain Bhaichung Bhutia Named Player of the Nehru Cup|publisher=Goal.com|date=1 September 2009|access-date=1 September 2009|author=Rahul Bali|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905010022/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1263/india-south-central-asia/2009/09/01/1473442/bhaichung-bhutia-named-player-of-the-nehru-cup|archive-date=5 September 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/super-subrata-helps-india-win-second-consecutive-nehru-cup/509506/|title=Super Subrata helps India win second consecutive Nehru Cup|publisher=Indian Express|date=31 August 2009|access-date=31 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902030745/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/super-subrata-helps-india-win-second-consecutive-nehru-cup/509506/|archive-date=2 September 2009|url-status=live}}

At the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, Bhutia was injured for their first two games against Australia and Bahrain, but he came on as a second-half substitute against South Korea, but failed to save India, losing 4–1 as they were eliminated. Shortly after the Asian Cup, he announced his retirement for India on 24 August 2011 with a record of 40 goals in 104 appearances.{{cite news |title=India iconic footballer Baichung Bhutia retires |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14644451 |work=BBC News |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=10 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308193545/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14644451 |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Bhaichung Bhutia: A fairytale journey |first=Sirshendu |last=Panth |url=https://news.yahoo.com/bhaichung-bhutia-fairytale-journey-123350001.html |work=Indo-Asian News Service |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=10 December 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129045329/http://news.yahoo.com/bhaichung-bhutia-fairytale-journey-123350001.html |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Baichung Bhutia announces retirement from football |url=http://zeenews.india.com/home/baichung-bhutia-announces-retirement-from-football_727967.html |work=Zeenews Bureau |publisher=Zee News |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=7 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018223050/http://zeenews.india.com/home/baichung-bhutia-announces-retirement-from-football_727967.html |archive-date=18 October 2015 |url-status=live }}

{{Football box

|date=10 January 2012{{cite web|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/football/bayern-munich-beat-india-4-0-1560815|title=Bayern Munich beat India 4–0|website=sports.ndtv.com|publisher=NDTV|date=10 January 2012|access-date=1 March 2022|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301172137/https://sports.ndtv.com/football/bayern-munich-beat-india-4-0-1560815|url-status=live}}

|time=19:00 IST

|team1=India {{Flagicon|IND}}

|score=0–4

|report=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/bayern-munich-beat-india-4-0-in-bhutia-s-farewell-idUSDEE8090HL/

|team2={{flagicon|GER}} Bayern Munich

|goals2=Mario Gómez {{goal|14}}
Thomas Müller {{goal|29}}, {{goal|37}}
Bastian Schweinsteiger {{goal|43}}

|stadium= Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

|attendance=30,000

}}

On 13 November 2012, Bhutia was named the interim manager of United Sikkim to replace Belgian Philippe De Ridder,{{cite web|url=https://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-52545.html|title=Two-week camp not enough: Baichung Bhutia|agency=IBNS|website=newkerala.com|publisher=New Kerala Sports Bureau|date=16 July 2012|location=Kolkata|access-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920055912/https://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-52545.html|archive-date=20 September 2023}} after the club's heavy 1–10 defeat in an I-League match against Prayag United on 10 November 2012 at the Salt Lake Stadium.{{cite news |title=Bhutia interim coach of United Sikkim |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/bhutia-interim-coach-of-united-sikkim/article4093528.ece |work=The Hindu |date=13 November 2012 |access-date=4 April 2013 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116160920/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/bhutia-interim-coach-of-united-sikkim/article4093528.ece |archive-date=16 November 2012 |url-status=live }} In January 2018, leading up to the Santosh Trophy, he was appointed the manager of Sikkim.{{cite news|title=Bhutia to take on Sikkim coach's mantle|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/bhutia-to-take-on-sikkim-coach-s-mantle-201458|access-date=17 January 2018|work=The Telegraph|date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117140310/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/bhutia-to-take-on-sikkim-coach-s-mantle-201458|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=dead}}

File:The Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal K.K. Nohwar releasing the souvenir of 52nd edition of the Subroto Cup Football Tournament and presenting the first copy to Shri Baichung Bhutia.jpg

In 2009, partnering with choreographer Sonia Jaffer,{{cite news|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/jun/02/slide-show-1-baichung-bhutia-on-winning-jhalak.htm|title=I will not dance anymore|publisher=Rediff|date=2 June 2009|access-date=11 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090605162401/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/jun/02/slide-show-1-baichung-bhutia-on-winning-jhalak.htm| archive-date= 5 June 2009 | url-status= live}} he won the third season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the Indian version of the international series Dancing with the Stars. Bhutia earned Rs. 4 million for winning the competition, beating Karan Singh Grover and Gauahar Khan in the final.{{cite news|url=http://www.samaylive.com/news/bhiachung-bhutia-bags-jhalak-dikhhla-jaa-title/631200.html|title=Bhiachung Bhutia bags 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' title|publisher=Samaylive|author=Diksha Gupta|date=1 June 2009|access-date=27 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006005944/http://www.samaylive.com/news/bhiachung-bhutia-bags-jhalak-dikhhla-jaa-title/631200.html|archive-date=6 October 2011|url-status=live}} Bhutia donated half of the prize money to charity and the other half was shared with his choreographer; he also said some money would go towards areas hit by Cyclone Aila. It was reported that an "SMS Voting Frenzy" allowed him to win after many organisations in Sikkim conducted mass voting events (this involved participants buying mobile cash cards so they could vote via SMS) to increase Bhutia's chance of winning the trophy.{{cite news|url=http://www.newkerala.com/nkfullnews-1-47742.html|title=Bhaichung Bhutia wins 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'|author=IANS|publisher=New Kerala|date=31 May 2009|access-date=11 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614100111/http://www.newkerala.com/nkfullnews-1-47742.html|archive-date=14 June 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://samachaar.in/Sikkim/Sikkim_in_SMS_voting_frenzy_for_Bhaichung_Bhutia_85092/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328064038/http://samachaar.in/Sikkim/Sikkim_in_SMS_voting_frenzy_for_Bhaichung_Bhutia_85092/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 March 2022 |title=Sikkim in SMS voting frenzy for Bhaichung Bhutia |publisher=Samachaar.in |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=11 June 2009 }} This performance put Bhutia's relationship with his club Mohun Bagan in jeopardy, as he missed a friendly, as well as practice sessions, due to his participation in the reality show.{{cite news|url=http://www.zeenews.com/news532105.html|title=Baichung had taken advantage for too long: Bagan|publisher=Zee News|date=15 May 2009|access-date=11 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090624031603/http://www.zeenews.com/news532105.html| archive-date= 24 June 2009 | url-status= live}}

In 2014, Bhutia joined the Trinamool Congress and unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Indian general election from Darjeeling constituency. In 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election he supported Left Front in favor of veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Ashok Bhattacharya.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lok-Saba-polls-Bhaichung-Bhutia-Moon-Moon-Sen-to-contest-on-Trinamool-ticket/articleshow/31477172.cms|title=Lok Saba polls: Bhaichung Bhutia, Moon Moon Sen to contest on Trinamool ticket|work=The Times of India|date=5 March 2013|access-date=7 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305193102/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lok-Saba-polls-Bhaichung-Bhutia-Moon-Moon-Sen-to-contest-on-Trinamool-ticket/articleshow/31477172.cms|archive-date=5 March 2014}}

Bhutia comes from a buddhist background, although he is, by conviction, not religious - in fact an atheist.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/i-am-baichung-bhutia/articleshow/1636772.cms|title=I AM: Baichung Bhutia|author=S Shanthi|publisher=India Times|date=10 June 2006|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112203639/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1636772.cms|archive-date=12 January 2009|url-status=live}} The name "Bhaichung" literally means "little brother".{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/10/11/stories/2006101100450100.htm|title=Bending it like Baichung|author=Anand Sankar|access-date=8 June 2009|location=Chennai, India|date=11 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106050719/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/10/11/stories/2006101100450100.htm|archive-date=6 November 2012|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}} He married his longtime girlfriend Madhuri Tipnis, a hotel professional, on 30 December 2004 in his native village of Tinkitam in South Sikkim. They filed for divorce by mutual consent in Bandra court on in February 2015. His fictional hero is Howard Roark, a character from Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead, and he has a tattoo of a footballer on his arm.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Delhi-Times/Bend-it-like-Bhutia/articleshow/1372157.cms|title=Bend it like Bhutia|publisher=India Times|date=14 January 2006|access-date=8 July 2009|author=Piyali Dasgupta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607185752/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Delhi-Times/Bend-it-like-Bhutia/articleshow/1372157.cms|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Who's shrugging now? |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2012/10/20/whos-shrugging-now |access-date=2024-03-05 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}} The Sikkimese government has built a stadium, the Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi, the district headquarters, in honour of Bhutia. He is one of the most popular figures in the state and is considered as a role model to many Sikkimese as well to people from other states of India.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/indian-role-model-keen-to-spread-the-faith-709392.html|title=Indian role model keen to spread the faith|work=The Independent|author=Pete Lansley|date=24 July 2000|access-date=10 June 2009|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108032259/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/indian-role-model-keen-to-spread-the-faith-709392.html|archive-date=8 November 2012|url-status=live}} On 23 January 2008, Bhutia was nominated for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contribution to Indian football.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2008/jan/23bhutia.htm|title=Bhutia nominated for Padma Shri|publisher=Rediff|date=23 January 2008|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329150011/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2008/jan/23bhutia.htm|archive-date=29 March 2008|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bhaichung-bhutia-nominated-for-padma-shri/57257-5.html|title=Bhaichung Bhutia nominated for Padma Shri|publisher=IBN|date=24 January 2008|access-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012090059/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bhaichung-bhutia-nominated-for-padma-shri/57257-5.html|archive-date=12 October 2012|url-status=dead}} Three days later on 26 January, India's Republic Day, he was chosen for the Padma Shri along with national swimming champion Bula Choudhury.{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31598920080127|title=Sachin Tendulkar chosen for Padma Vibhushan|publisher=Reuters India|date=27 January 2008|access-date=22 June 2009|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215125403/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31598920080127?edition-redirect=in|url-status=dead}}

He played in the Goal 4 Africa match held in the Allianz Arena, Munich, on 12 July 2008, for the Edu team, led by Clarence Seedorf, and scored twice.{{cite news |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Baichung-sizzles-with-brace-in-allstar-match/335034/ |title=Baichung sizzles with brace in all-star match |publisher=Express India |date=13 July 2008 |access-date=28 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806145656/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Baichung-sizzles-with-brace-in-allstar-match/335034/ |archive-date=6 August 2008}} In 2009, Bhutia started a foundation called the "Indian Sports Foundation" to help footballers overcome serious injuries.{{cite news|url=http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1085|title=A new foundation to assist footballers|publisher=IndianFootball.com|author=Pit Ruddy|date=27 June 2009|access-date=29 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090630040525/http://www.indianfootball.com/en/news/articleId/1085| archive-date= 30 June 2009 | url-status= dead}} He is also the president of the Football Players' Association of India (FPAI), an organisation that promises "fair treatment" of Indian footballers by dealing with financial aspects such as pension plans.{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/aug/13foot.htm|title=Football Players' Association of India formed|publisher=Rediff|date=13 August 2006|access-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607054008/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2006/aug/13foot.htm|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=live}} He formed FPAI after seeing the Professional Footballers' Association in England.{{cite news|url=http://fpaofindia.com/about-fpai/ex-committee.html|title=EX-COMMITTEE|publisher=FPA of India|access-date=30 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012042127/http://www.fpaofindia.com/about-fpai/ex-committee.html|archive-date=12 October 2009}}

Image:2008 Olympic Torch Relay in SF - Justin Herman Plaza 45.JPG.]]

He signed an endorsement deal with Adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd in November 2003.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/11/20/stories/2003112000590600.htm|title=Adidas signs on Baichung Bhutia|publisher=The Hindu Business Line|access-date=8 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406081929/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/11/20/stories/2003112000590600.htm|archive-date=6 April 2009|url-status=live}} Currently he is endorsing Nike India. After completing the deal to become the brand's ambassador for India, Bhutia said "I am confident that Nike will help elevate the sport in the country."{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss2913/stories/20060401013203500.htm |title=Bhutia joins elite list |publisher=HinduOnNet |author=Amitabha Das Sharma |date=1 April 2006 |access-date=8 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607012933/http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss2913/stories/20060401013203500.htm |archive-date=7 June 2011}}

In 2008, Bhutia was solicited to run with the Olympic torch in India, but he refused to carry the torch to show support for the Tibetan independence movement. "I sympathise with the Tibetan cause. I'm against violence but I thought I should stand by the Tibetan people in their fight," Bhutia said.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india/Bhutia-s-boycott-Don-t-mix-sports-and-politics/302724/Article1-295078.aspx |title=Bhutia's boycott: 'Don't mix sports and politics' |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=1 April 2008 |access-date=30 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018024449/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india/Bhutia-s-boycott-Don-t-mix-sports-and-politics/302724/Article1-295078.aspx |archive-date=18 October 2012}} He was the first Indian sportsman to refuse to carry the Olympic torch. His actions have won him little praise from his colleagues in India however, who criticised him for mixing sports with politics.

In 2011, Bhutia was caught in the Sikkim earthquake. Although he was not injured, his United Sikkim offices were completely destroyed. In the aftermath, he joined with several Bollywood actors like Neha Dhupia and Rahul Bose to raise money for earthquake victims.{{cite news|last=Sen|first=Zinia|title=B'wood going all out to raise money|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Bwood-going-all-out-to-raise-money/articleshow/10204358.cms|access-date=7 October 2011|newspaper=Times of India|date=2 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018223050/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Bwood-going-all-out-to-raise-money/articleshow/10204358.cms|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=live}}

In 2018, after the break up with All India Trinamool Congress, he established a new party on 31 May. The name of the party is "Hamro Sikkim Party". He also served as brand ambassador of sport equipments manufacturer Vector X.{{cite web|url=https://www.footballcounter.com/2019/dalima-chhibber-comes-on-board-as-vector-x-brand-ambassador/|title=Dalima Chhibber comes on Board as Vector X Brand Ambassador|first1=Chittu|last1=Shetty|date=8 July 2019|access-date=5 December 2023|website=footballcounter.com|publisher=Football Counter India|location=Mumbai|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235821/https://www.footballcounter.com/2019/dalima-chhibber-comes-on-board-as-vector-x-brand-ambassador/|archive-date=7 November 2020}}

On 28 October 2010, he started Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in Delhi in partnership with Carlos Queiroz.{{cite news|last=Bhose|first=Baidurjo|title=Bhutia launches football school to promote game|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/118412/Sports/bhutia-launches-football-school-to-promote-game.html|access-date=25 December 2010|newspaper=India Today|date=31 October 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110119145329/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/118412/Sports/bhutia-launches-football-school-to-promote-game.html| archive-date= 19 January 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news|title=Baichung Bhutia returning to full fitness|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Baichung-Bhutia-returning-to-full-fitness/articleshow/6842050.cms|access-date=25 December 2010|date=30 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310151732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-30/top-stories/28250341_1_footballer-asian-cup-asian-games|archive-date=10 March 2011|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live}} BBFS also entered into partnership with United Sikkim and Garhwal FC for opening up coaching camps with grassroot framework in hilly areas of Sikkim and West Bengal in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://footballnewsindia.in/2013/12/13/united-sikkim-fc-host-u-14-snow-lion-cup/|title=UNITED SIKKIM FC TO HOST U-14 SNOW LION CUP|publisher=Football News India|website=footballnewsindia.in|access-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623145000/http://footballnewsindia.in/2013/12/13/united-sikkim-fc-host-u-14-snow-lion-cup/|agency=I-Sikkim|archive-date=23 June 2023|date=13 December 2013}}

Bhutia was elected as member of the "Sportstar Aces 2023" jury.{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/aces-awards/shyam-thapa-lifetime-achievement-award-sportstar-aces-2023-india-football-east-bengal-mohun-bagan/article66559076.ece|title=Shyam Thapa wins Lifetime Achievement Award at Sportstar Aces 2023|date=27 February 2023|website=sportstar.thehindu.com|publisher=Sportstar|access-date=28 February 2023|location=Mumbai|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306201807/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/aces-awards/shyam-thapa-lifetime-achievement-award-sportstar-aces-2023-india-football-east-bengal-mohun-bagan/article66559076.ece|archive-date=6 March 2023}}

Bhutia's parents were farmers. He has two elder brothers and one elder sister. Bhutia was married to Madhuri Tipnis since 2004. They filed their divorce in 2015.{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/respect-my-privacy-requests-footballer-bhaichung-bhutia/articleshow/46862280.cms | title=Respect my privacy, requests footballer Bhaichung Bhutia | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=9 April 2015 }} He is a father to three children, two girls and one boy.

{{notelist}}

File:The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Padma Shri Award to Shri Bhaichung Bhutia at Civil Investiture-II Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on May 10, 2008.jpg, presenting the Padma Shri to Bhutia during Civil Investiture-II Ceremony, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2008.]]

East Bengal

• ASEAN Club Championship: 2003{{Cite web|last=Sengupta|first=Somnath|title=Tactical Evolution Of Indian Football: Part Four – Modern Era (1999—2011)|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/tactical-evolution-of-indian-football-part-four-modern-era/|location=Kolkata|date=13 July 2011|access-date=11 October 2022|website=thehardtackle.com|publisher=The Hard Tackle|language=en-US|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918041621/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/tactical-evolution-of-indian-football-part-four-modern-era/}}
• National Football League: 2003–04
• Federation Cup: 2009–10, 2010
• Indian Super Cup: 2011
• Calcutta Football League: 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2011
• IFA Shield: 1994, 1995, 1997
• Wai Wai Cup: 1993
• San Miguel International Cup: 2004

Mohun Bagan

• Calcutta Football League: 2007, 2008, 2009
• IFA Shield: 2003
• Federation Cup: 2006, 2008

Bengal

• Santosh Trophy: 1995,{{Cite web|first=Novy|last=Kapadia|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/memorable-moments-in-the-santosh-trophy-2|website=www.sportskeeda.com|publisher=Sportskeeda|date=27 May 2012|access-date=7 March 2021|title=Memorable moments in the Santosh Trophy|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412140304/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/memorable-moments-in-the-santosh-trophy-2}} 1998–99{{cite news |title=Bengal lift record sixth crown |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99apr05/sports.htm#11 |website=tribuneindia.com |publisher=The Tribune India |agency=Press Trust of India |date=5 April 1999 |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428084646/https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99apr05/sports.htm#11 }}

India

• AFC Challenge Cup: 2008
• SAFF Championship: 1997, 1999, 2005; runner-up: 1995, 2008
• Nehru Cup: 2007, 2009
• South Asian Games gold medal: 1995
• Afro-Asian Games silver medal: 2003{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafrgam01.html|title=Afro-Asian Games 2003|access-date=20 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928130141/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafrgam01.html|archive-date=28 September 2022|website=RSSSF|first1=Arunava|last1=Chaudhuri|first2=Karel|last2=Stokkermans|date=2001}}

India U23

• LG Cup: 2002{{Cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesh/hcmccup.html#02 |title=Ho Chi Minh City Cups |website=RSSSF |accessdate=19 September 2022 }}{{cite web|first=Press Trust of India|last=TOI|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-beat-vietnam-to-win-lg-cup-football/articleshow/18684987.cms|title=India beat Vietnam to win LG Cup football|website=timesofindia. indiatimes.com|publisher=The Times of India|date=10 August 2002|access-date=1 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207133818/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-beat-vietnam-to-win-lg-cup-football/articleshow/18684987.cms|archive-date=7 December 2021|url-status=live}}

Individual

• AIFF Player of the Year: 1995, 2008{{cite web |title=Jeje Lalpekhlua Is 2016 AIFF Player of the Year |url=https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7722 |website=the-aiff.com |publisher=AIFF |access-date=24 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227132308/https://www.the-aiff.com/news-center-details.htm?id=7722 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}
• Arjuna Award: 1998{{cite web|url=http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/arjuna.htm#Football|title=LIST OF ARJUNA AWARD WINNERS - Football {{!}} Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225221945/http://yas.nic.in/yasroot/awards/arjuna.htm#Football|archive-date=25 December 2007|access-date=25 December 2007|website=yas.nic.in|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports}}{{cite web|title=List of Arjuna Awardees (1961–2018)|url=https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/LIST%20OF%20ARJUNA%20AWARDEES.docx%2061%20-%2017_0_0.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (India)|access-date=12 September 2020|df=dmy-all|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718084523/https://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/LIST%20OF%20ARJUNA%20AWARDEES.docx%2061%20-%2017_0_0.pdf}}
• 50px Padma Shri: 2008{{cite web |url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |title=Padma Awards |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |date=2015 |access-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015193758/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2015}}
• AFC Challenge Cup Most Valuable Player: 2008
• Banga Bhushan: 2014{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/state-government-to-confer-banga-awards-on-may-20/article6021369.ece|title=State government to confer Banga awards on May 20|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 May 2014|via=www.thehindu.com|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114214445/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/state-government-to-confer-banga-awards-on-may-20/article6021369.ece}}
• Asian Football Hall of Fame: 2014
• IFFHS 48 Football Legend Players: 2016{{cite web|url=https://iffhs.com/dev/4089/iffhs-has-announced-the-48-football-legend-players/|title=IFFHS Announces the Phase One of Football Legend Players|date=25 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002732/https://iffhs.com/dev/4089/iffhs-has-announced-the-48-football-legend-players/|archive-date=20 February 2019|website=iffhs.com|access-date=20 February 2019|url-status=dead}}
• ASEAN Club Championship Top Scorer: 2003
• Sportskeeda All time Indian Football XI{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/greatest-indian-football-xi-of-all-time|title=All time Indian XI|date=23 November 2016|access-date=21 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201149/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/greatest-indian-football-xi-of-all-time|website=sportskeeda.com|publisher=Sportskeeda|first=Amoy|last=Ghoshal}}

{{notelist}}

; West Bengal Legislative Assembly election

; Sikkim Legislative Assembly election

; Indian general election

• AIFF Player of the Year
• Asian Football Hall of Fame inductees
• List of India national football team captains
• Bhaichung Stadium
• Politics and sports
• List of Indian football players in foreign leagues

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/bhaichung-bhutia-shuts-down-former-i-league-club-united-sikkim-6018442/lite/|title=Bhaichung Bhutia shuts down former I-League club United Sikkim|website=indianexpress.com|publisher=The Indian Express|date=22 September 2019|location=Gangtok|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927051845/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/bhaichung-bhutia-shuts-down-former-i-league-club-united-sikkim-6018442/|archive-date=27 September 2019}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.newsclick.in/legendary-football-coach-sukhwinder-singh-shifts-canada-good |title=Legendary Football Coach Sukhwinder Singh Shifts to Canada for Good |publisher=News Click India |website=newsclick.in |date=21 May 2021 |access-date=2023-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130095420/https://www.newsclick.in/legendary-football-coach-sukhwinder-singh-shifts-canada-good |archive-date=30 January 2023 }}
• {{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/minerva-punjab-fc-rope-in-sukhwinder-as-technical-director/articleshow/65028498.cms|title=Minerva Punjab FC rope in Sukhwinder as technical director|date=17 July 2018|access-date=26 September 2023|location=Chandigarh|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718015832/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/minerva-punjab-fc-rope-in-sukhwinder-as-technical-director/articleshow/65028498.cms|archive-date=18 July 2018|first=Pratyush|last=Raj|url-status=live|agency=TNN}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/business-of-life/not-just-about-the-money-1540450129683.html|title=Not just about the money — Bhaichung Bhutia's United Sikkim FC faces challenges that test him as an administrator|date=5 December 2012|access-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030154103/https://www.livemint.com/news/business-of-life/not-just-about-the-money-1540450129683.html|archive-date=30 October 2023|location=Gangtok|work=LiveMint.com|first1=Nikhilesh|last1=Bhattacharya}}
• {{cite web|url=http://archives.anandabazar.com/archive/1120512/12khela5.html|title=ভাইচুংয়ের রাস্তায় হাঁটতে চান ব্যারেটো|trans-title=Barreto wants to walk on Bhaichung's way|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105120940/http://archives.anandabazar.com/archive/1120512/12khela5.html|archive-date=5 January 2024|location=Kolkata|language=bn|date=12 May 2012|access-date=26 September 2022|website=anandabazar.com|publisher=Anandabazar Patrika}}

{{Commons category|Baichung Bhutia}}

• {{FIFA player}}
• {{NFT player}}
• {{WorldFootball}}
• [https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/jan/07/newsstory.sport6 Bhaichung Bhutia Interview]

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Sports}}

{{India Squad 2011 AFC Asian Cup}}

{{Asian Football Hall of Fame}}

{{I-League Golden Boot}}

{{Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhutia, Bhaichung}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Recipients of the Arjuna Award

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Malaysia

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:India men's international footballers

Category:India men's youth international footballers

Category:Indian atheists

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Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in sports

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Category:United Sikkim FC players

Category:Mohun Bagan Super Giant players

Category:Perak F.C. players

Category:Indian football managers

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Category:Dancing with the Stars winners

Category:People from Namchi district

Category:Trinamool Congress politicians from Sikkim

Category:Candidates in the 2014 Indian general election

Category:Footballers at the 1998 Asian Games

Category:Footballers at the 2002 Asian Games

Category:Footballers at the 2006 Asian Games

Category:Founders of Indian schools and colleges

Category:Asian Games competitors for India

Category:Indian expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:South Asian Games medalists in football

Category:South Asian Games gold medalists for India

Category:Sikkim Democratic Front politicians

Category:English Football League players

Category:21st-century Indian politicians

Category:21st-century Indian sportsmen

Category:Hamro Sikkim Party politicians