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A wrong decision: Bhutia

KOLKATA: India's ace footballer Baichung Bhutia has said it was a “wrong decision” to conduct the Commonwealth Games in India since it has not developed proper sports infrastructure.

“We do not have a proper sports infrastructure to conduct the Commonwealth Games,” Bhutia said at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club on Wednesday.

“Clearly, the decision to have it here is wrong as we are not ready for the event,” Bhutia said.

“How many international athletes do we have in the country who could be showcased in the Games?”

“Our focus should be on building proper sports infrastructure rather than organising glamour events,” he said.

Expressing disgust at the way the glamour world is occupying centrestage in sports events, Bhutia said: “I only wish the opening and closing ceremonies do not become another ‘film' awards show. I know Bollywood sells, but we need to project our rich and varied culture at such world events.”

Bhutia said he would be rejoining the Indian camp in Portugal within a week. The Indian captain said the decision to have the Asian Cup preparation abroad is a gamble worth having.

“At some point of time you need to make a gamble. If you succeed you go higher,” he said. “The training facilities are good in Portugal and that should help the team prepare well. It is right to make experiments and look for a change if one wants to see Indian football go higher,” he said.

Bhutia said the Indian team planned to visit Thailand and Jordan as part of its preparations. — Principal Correspondent

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