Main aim is to survive I-League this season: Bhaichung

Image
Press Trust of India Gangtok
Last Updated : Jan 25 2013 | 5:33 AM IST

"Our main aim is to survive in I-League top division this season and we are counting a lot on home matches to get requisite points," Bhutia said on the eve of their match against formidable East Bengal.

United Sikkim hosts Trevor Morgan's confident boys at the Paljor Stadium, the venue where they shocked former champions Salgaocar in their opening fixture a few days back.

But Bhutia, as is his wont, stayed modest about his team's prospects against the heavyweights from Kolkata, who have just won the Federation Cup.

"Even a draw against East Bengal will be a happy result for us," he said.

He was, however, quick to add that the side's morale would be high after the win against Salgaocar.

"A victory in the first match made a huge difference for us and freed us from home pressure. We have a home advantage and I believe we can beat any I-League club on our home ground," Bhutia said.

Bhutia, who started his career with East Bengal two decades ago, however, won't be playing tomorrow.

"I think I will be fit before our next game against Dempo SC," he informed.

United Sikkim go into the match without attacking midfielder Raju Debnath who sustained a ligament injury in their last match against Salgaocar. He has been ruled out for almost three months.

  

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 10 2012 | 7:15 PM IST

Next Story