Our love for the beautiful game was highlighted on Sunday when people trickled down in threes and fours for the well intentioned match despite the winter chill. I do not want to get into the details of the legends that descended in Palzor Stadium. The same has been splashed all over the dailies for the past few days. When the final whistle was blown by the referee, the crowd applauded and thanked the stars for giving their time and effort to show to the world that this tiny Himalayan state is now open for business after the September, 18th earthquake disaster. And on the same note, I just wanted to make two points:
First and foremost, we, the Sikkimese, should be highly grateful to Bhaichung Bhutia for this noble initiative. He has proved time and again that he truly is 'Sikkim's favourite son'. Shelling out big money for a ticket might not be a problem, but getting the stars to agree to play in Sikkim would not have been possible without Bhaichung's image both at the national and international level and the effort he has put in to organise this unique event. The honour and respect accorded to him during his farewell match against Bayern Munich on 10th January made every Sikkimese proud of him. The Tinkitam Express has brought a lot of recognition to the state.
Secondly, and in continuation with the above point, the absence of senior bureaucrats was but apparent during the game on Sunday. When the idea behind the event was to promote falling tourism in the state, it would have been nice to see the top bureaucracy and local gentrees venture out of their homes to support Bhaichung, to support Sikkim. Unfortunately only a few senior officers were present for the match. After the grand farewell in Delhi, it is a shame that our own people have failed to acknowledge his contribution to Indian football, to football in general and to his home-state. Until the same happens, there leaves much to be desired. Much.
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