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Praful Patel: Baichung Bhutia deserves this Award

Baichung Bhutia and Praful Patel
Baichung Bhutia and Praful Patel

Picture courtesy: AIFF Media

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel congratulated former Indian national team skipper Baichung Bhutia on his induction to the Asian Fooball Confederation’s (AFC) Hall of Fame.

Baichung Bhutia was officially inducted to the AFC Hall of Fame during the AFC’s (AFC) 60th Anniversary and Annual Awards gala event in Manila, Philippines on Sunday. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter presented the Award to Baichung in the presence of Praful Patel and a host of other dignitaries from all over the footballing world.

“Baichung has been the flag bearer of Indian football in over 100 International matches,” Praful Patel told AIFF Media at the sidlines of the gale in Manila. “He deserves this Award for sure. My heartiest congratulations to him.”

“AIFF has been keen on using his experience and post retirement, Baichung has been closely associated with AIFF and we expect to work closely for the development of football in the country,” Patel added.

(Picture courtesy AIFF Media)