IANS

Kolkata: September 21

Bhaichung Bhutia said that the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) is willing to organise a football match to raise funds for the Sikkim earthquake victims. Bhutia is the president of FPAI.

“The I-League is about to start and the Federation Cup is on. Subject to availability of players, we would be delighted to organise a fund-raising (match)” said the former Indian captain.

“Whatever (earthquake) happened is very sad and unfortunate. But things are returning to normal. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been here leaving behind my family there,” said Bhutia, who flew to the city from Gangtok to attend a conference to announce the nominees for the Indian Football Awards.

Bhutia also said his club United Sikkim will do its bit to help the victims. “It is a happy news that all the players of United Sikkim are safe and we hope to do our bit to help the quake victims.”

Former India player and current East Bengal winger Alvito D’Cunha also hoped the fund-raiser will be organised. “All the players including myself will be delighted to organise any such game. We all are willing to do our part to help the quake victims.”

“I appeal to the people of India to come forward and help the victims of earthquake in Sikkim. Schools and hospitals have been destroyed and many victims are still trapped in the debris. People have lost their livelihoods,” he said.

The devastating earthquake of 6.9 magnitude has taken lives of more than 70 in Sikkim alone and total death toll crossing 100.

 

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