A New Life for Baichung Bhutia

Former Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia is in a new role.

He is now scouting for talent pool which will help the country finalize a team for forthcoming U-17 World Cup in India. And he is confident that the boys, once selected for the nation, will shape well with proper training.

India will host the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017.

Once selected, the students will participate in the Manchester Premier tournament that will be held in the Indian Capital later this month. The tournament, which has the backing of Manchester United, is the best tournament for U-15 footballers.

"India needs to pick up young talent and groom them for the national selection. A lot of focus needs to be on the north-eastern states and Sikkim because of its huge talent pool," Bhutia told ATP in a telephonic interview.

Bhutia, who is associated with Sikkim United, said he was happy at the growth of grass root football in India.

"We have a series of programs in place, it is working well. Slowly, the infrastructure is also getting into place," he added.

India, former Asian Champions, last won a medal worth repute when its junior team drew 2-2 with Iran in the finals of Asian Youth Soccer in 1974.

ATP