Sports India

Bhaichung Bhutia’s name is again missing from the list of 32 players for the national coaching camp from August 4 in Kolkata in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on August 16.
The Mohun Bagan striker, who is not part of the team which is in Canada for the Vancouver Whitecaps Nations Cup, has expressed his desire to call time on his international career.

AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had said he would talk to the star goalpoacher and try to persuade him to prolong his career till the Doha Asian Games in “national interest.” The match against the Asian giants would be the next assignmant for English coach Bob Houghton, whose stint began on a losing note when India went down to Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1-3.

India will also take on Japan in another qualifier in Bangalore on October 11, the main target being the Doha Asian Games in December.