Bhutia plans to set up a football academy in Sikkim

Gangtok: Indian Football Captain Bhaichung Bhutia is now pursuing a new passion - the dream to establish a football academy in his home state Sikkim.

Bhutia called the `Tinkitam Express` plans to set up a football academy in Sikkim which would provide the best coaching and training facilities to football talents. His concept of the football academy has already attracted the interest of celebrities and professionals, sources close to Bhutia said. Bhutia, who returned to India last week from Portugal where the Indian team India is in training at present, met some people about the setting up of the academy and would soon submit an application to the Sikkim Government for land to develop the academy, United Sikkim Sporting Club, general secretary Arjun Rai told a press conference.The Indian Football captain is the chief patron of the USSC. Bhutia met filmstar John Abraham, who is a football fan with the idea (football academy) recently and has "already received his commitment to support the concept to the best of his abilities," Rai disclosed. Abraham was excited over the idea of being associated with what is to be developed as the best football Academy in the country and also expressed a desire to visit Sikkim and explore the idea further, Rai said.Bhutia plans to develop two football grounds, I with artificial turf and the other with natural grass cover in the academy, Rai added. PTI