Gullit impressed with infrastructure in Sikkim United

Gangtok, Jan 22 (PTI) Dutch football great Rudd Gullit was impressed with the infrastructure here and said the exhibition match between his `Super Star XI` and Sikkim United will inspire kids in the state to take up the sport professionally.

Organised by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia in collaboration with the Sikkim government, proceeds from the match will be given to victims of the earthquake that rocked the state in September last year. "The Super Soccer which has been organised by the state government and pushed by Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia is commendable. The presence of these celebrities and veteran footballers shall take Sikkim`s aspiring footballers to greater heights," said Gullit after his team went down 4-7 to the hosts at the Paljor stadium. Gullit added that the initiative taken by the state government to promote local talents was a step towards making Sikkim as one of the best scouting regions in the country. "I am deeply privileged along with my counterparts to be a part of this event as it is for charity. We know that the funds generated from this match will reach the most under privileged. I have seen that the people of Sikkim are brave and are recovering well from the devastation last year; this is how it should be. A new beginning is what we should believe in," added Gullit. Bollywood actor Rahul Bose stated that some of the funds collected from the match and an auction of Bhutia`s memorabilia (five items), will also be used to create another artificial turf in Sikkim. Besides Gullit, Bhutia and Bose, the celebrities included legendary Scorpion guitarist Rudolf Schenkar, French soccer player Christian Karembu, Tim Tranker (World Motor Sports Champion), former India footballers Shyam Thapa, IM Vijayan and cine star Neha Dhupia to name a few. PTI