'Standard of football in age-group events must improve in India': Bhutia

Bhutia, who has played over 100 games for India and scored 42 international goals, also asked the All India Football Federation, state associations, I-League and ISL clubs work at the grassroots for the development of the next generation of players

Legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia on Thursday called for strengthening the game at the age-group level, saying that it’s impossible for the senior national team to do well internationally otherwise.

Bhutia, who has played over 100 games for India and scored 42 international goals, also asked the All India Football Federation, state associations, I-League and ISL clubs work at the grassroots for the development of the next generation of players.

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“In India, if the [senior] national football team has to do well, our U-17, U-19 and U-20 teams have to start qualifying for Asia Cups and World Cups. If you look at results in age-group tournaments, it’s not great. Today, U-20 players are losing to Bangladesh. We can’t expect miracles from the senior team,” said Bhutia while announcing a partnership between Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and Premier League side Southampton Football Club. 

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