Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

Bhutia offers to train reformed LeT militant Majid

- Sarthak Bal sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com

Football has provided solace to many over the years and I felt he (Majid) requires a platform to play the beautiful game again. ›

I want him to train under my coaches and then we can decide where he stands as a player. He definitely deserves an opportunit­y. On backing Majid

MUMBAI:Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has written to Jammu and Kashmir’s football associatio­n extending his support to Kashmiri youth Majid Khan in pursuing his football dream.

Majid, who is considered to be one of the top football players from the valley, reportedly joined terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). However, the young goalkeeper surrendere­d to the authoritie­s on Friday following his mother Ashiya Begum’s emotional pleas.

In light of this developeme­nt, Bhutia has offered Majid a training stint at the Bhaichung Bhutia Football School in New Delhi. “I was very sad to read reports of Majid joining a terrorist organisati­on. Football has provided solace to many over the years and I felt he requires a platform to play the ‘Beautiful game,’ again” Bhutia said.

“I have touched base with the J&K Football Associatio­n offering him to train with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in Delhi. I want him to train under my coaches and then we can decide where he stands as a player. He deserves an opportunit­y and hence, felt best to open the doors for him,” Bhutia said.

“I also read that he has been a promising footballer since his childhood and has even won quite many trophies,” added India’s highest capped internatio­nal player.

“Once you start kicking the ball again, you never know, your lives may just kick-off again. We want Majid to come back to normal life eat the earliest,” said Bhutia.

 ?? PTI ?? Majid Khan (in black) shunned militancy to return to football, the sport he loves.
PTI Majid Khan (in black) shunned militancy to return to football, the sport he loves.
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India