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'Self-pressure is self-help'

AL MUSABBIR SADI from Karachi
Football
One man has kept Indian football alive in the last decade and he has been the undisputed superstar of South Asia. Baichung Bhutia, who needs no introduction to football fans, had a stint with English Second Division Club Bury but has now settled with his old club East Bengal.
Having started his career at the top level of Kolkata soccer, the pocket size striker from Sikkim, who turned 29 on Thursday, has risen to the ranks of greats and became the only Indian booter to have played professional football in Europe. He is also the only footballer in the cricketcrazy country to draw attention from big sponsors.
Although the ongoing SAFF Championship has seen only the shadow of Baichung, his presence has inspired India's new generation footballers bring a high-flying Maldives down and make it to their third Championship final.
It was Baichung's genius, skill and amazing turns with the ball that single-handedly dashed Bangladesh's hopes to win the SAFF title in 1999 in Goa when the two rivals met for the first time in the final of the tournament.
Having played for the national side for nearly 12 years, Baichung was re-elected Indian captain for the Pakistan trip although he had a three-month lay-off from the game
due to a liver disease.
A penalty-area specialist, Baichung could still surprise any opponents and with India missing a good striker as his partner, he would be the key when the two-time winners take on defending champions Bangladesh in tomorrow's final.
Talking to a group of Bangladeshi reporters following Wednesday night's dinner hosted by the
Pakistan Football Federation at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, Baichung said that football in this region was on the up.
“Bangladesh and India have always ruled football in South Asia. But teams like Maldives have really improved recently. Afghanistan are a new side but look how they have turned back in the tournament,” opined Baichung.
“But the standard of youth devel-
opment programmes here is very low compared to Europe and other developed football nations in Asia. Federations, clubs and all football related persons have to take responsibilities for the development of the game.
“There is not enough money in the sport in the subcontinent and it is very important because it will help a lot of things. But again, money alone can't solve all the problems. Knowledge and how you implement it are more important. You have to have visions and aims. We need a combination of football-brain and money to improve our game.
“Skill is important for players but football is not only about skills. It alone can't make anything. It matters till you are 14-15 years old. Afterwards, you have to develop physically and also psychologically. You have to be positive.
“You can't blame our footballers for failing to meet the international standard. You can't expect your son to be a good doctor if you send him to a college without reputation. We have to give the players the right environment for proper grooming.
Asked whether Baichung was towards the end of an illustrious career, the 29-year-old said that he was still enjoying football.
“I will play as long as I enjoy it. The inspiration behind going on is that every game I play, I want to win and I want to score. Each game is
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important for me and that's how I think you get inspired because everybody would see what you are in your next match. That's why I want to give my best in every game.
“Bangladesh are an experienced side. I have played a lot against them. They have settled well and looked really impressive in the semifinal. We are also picking up, but maybe not enough. We have to do better to beat them.
Replying to a question, the Indian captain said he does not feel the pressure of stardom.
“When people give you pressure that's a different thing. I feel pressure on myself because any player who does not feel that can't perform. I don't bother about expectation of the crowd, but selfpressure is self-help.
Baichung looked rusty in the first three matches and he admitted it.
“It is my first tournament after three months and I am not fully fit. I think I can improve from this tournament only.”