KOLKATA, March 22 (PTI): Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia was seen in a new avatar today when he launched his football club � United Sikkim.
Co-owned by Bhutia, music maestro Shankar Mahadevan and FidelisWorld, the club�s aim is to make it to the I-League next season by qualifying from second division.
Boasting the national team�s trio of Bhutia, Rennedy Singh and NS Manju, the club will mark its debut when it takes on Langsing Sports Club on March 31 in a group A second Division League fixture.
Unveiling the club jersey and logo, Bhutia said it was a historic occasion for him as realised his dream of owning a club, which will be coached by Stanley Rozario.
�As a national player for over a decade (more than 15 years), I had a dream to own a football club. I see it fulfilled today. It�s a historic day. I wish to make United Sikkim a big name in India,� Bhutia said.
Bhutia said he had started the club in a small way two years back but could make things happen after getting the support of Mahadevan and FidelisWorld.
�I was struggling but after meeting like-minded people in Dubai, the dream got fulfilled.�
An emotional Bhutia said it was important to launch the club in Kolkata, where he started his career 17 years back.
