Bhaichung Bhutia has criticised the AIFF for choosing a Brazil friendly over the FIFA ASEAN Cup, questioning the reported cost amid Indian football’s financial crisis.

Bhutia Questions Brazil Fixture

Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia has questioned the All India Football Federation’s decision to withdraw India from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to accommodate a high-profile friendly against Brazil.

India will face five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. Bhutia said he had no objection to Brazil visiting India but questioned the reported ₹50-70 crore expenditure on the fixture when several Indian clubs are facing financial difficulties.

Timing Draws Sharp Criticism

Bhutia said the timing of the Brazil match was the main concern. He argued that India should have prioritised competitive football over an expensive friendly during a difficult period for the domestic game.

“If Brazil were coming free of cost,” Bhutia said, he would have no problem with the fixture. However, he questioned spending ₹50-70 crore on a friendly when ISL and I-League clubs are struggling financially.

His criticism comes as Indian football deals with wider uncertainty surrounding club finances and the structure of domestic competitions.

ASEAN Cup Offered Competition

India had initially accepted FIFA’s invitation to participate in the new tournament and were drawn in Division 1 Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The competition is scheduled during the September 21 to October 6 FIFA international window. India’s October 3 Brazil fixture in Kolkata created a scheduling clash, prompting the federation to withdraw from the ASEAN Cup.

Bhutia argued that the tournament would have provided India with meaningful competitive matches against teams that have challenged the national side in recent years.

Clubs Face Financial Pressure

The former India captain also linked the decision to the financial problems facing Indian club football.

The uncertainty surrounding the ISL and its commercial structure had already affected the domestic calendar. The 2025-26 ISL season faced a prolonged delay before eventually beginning in a shortened format after intervention from the Sports Ministry.

Tata Steel also exited Jamshedpur FC, with Churchill Brothers taking over the club for a reported symbolic ₹100.

Bhutia Suggests East Bengal Support

Bhutia said the federation should consider directing resources towards clubs representing India in continental competitions.

He pointed to East Bengal’s qualification for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage after their 4-1 victory over Al-Arabi. However, the Kolkata club has also faced financial pressure after Emami withdrew as its title sponsor.

Bhutia suggested that greater financial support for East Bengal could help the club build a stronger squad and compete deeper into the Asian competition.

India’s Rankings Under Pressure

Bhutia also criticised the broader state of Indian football, pointing to the national team’s decline in the FIFA rankings.

He said India had slipped from the top 100 to around 140 and described the recent period as a series of setbacks. However, he said the responsibility should not rest solely with AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and instead blamed what he described as wider leadership and management problems.

With AIFF elections due later this year, Bhutia expressed hope that a new governing body could begin rebuilding the sport and eventually restore India to the top 100.

New Zealand Tour Gets Backing

Bhutia did support India’s upcoming international tour of New Zealand. India are scheduled to play two matches there on November 12 and 15.

The tour overlaps with the SAFF Championship, but Bhutia said India could send an Under-23 side to the regional tournament while allowing the senior team to gain experience against New Zealand.

He described the New Zealand trip as an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points and test Indian players against a team that recently qualified for the World Cup.

The debate over the Brazil fixture is therefore likely to remain part of the wider conversation around Indian football, with Bhutia urging the AIFF to prioritise long-term development, competitive exposure and financial stability over marquee friendlies.

Khelo India Tribal Games conclude in Chhattisgarh with grand ceremony

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 drew to a close on Friday in Raipur, marking a significant milestone in promoting sporting talent from India's tribal communities. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will grace the event as chief guest, with international boxing icon Mary Kom and former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia attending as special guests.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for 5 pm at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who also holds the sports and youth welfare portfolio, will preside over the function. Several senior leaders, including Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, and other ministers and MLAs, are expected to attend.

Multi-city hosting across state

The games, organised for the first time under the Khelo India initiative, were held from March 25 to April 3 across three cities — Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur (Surguja). Competitions spanned seven main sports disciplines, including archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, with kabaddi and mallakhamb as demonstration events.

Over 2,000 tribal athletes and officials from nearly 30 states and Union Territories participated, bringing the total number of participants close to 3,800 when coaches and support staff are included. The decentralised format aimed to take the event closer to tribal heartlands in Bastar and Surguja regions.

Focus on nurturing hidden talent

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had highlighted the importance of the platform during the opening, noting that tribal athletes have consistently brought laurels to the nation. He cited examples of icons like Mary Kom, Bhaichung Bhutia, and hockey legend Jaipal Singh Munda, who emerged from similar backgrounds.

Sources in the Sports and Youth Welfare Department indicated that promising performers identified during the games will receive further training at Khelo India centres to prepare for national and international competitions. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots talent in remote areas and mainstream sporting opportunities.

High-profile dignitaries at finale

The presence of Mary Kom and Bhaichung Bhutia is expected to inspire the young athletes. Mary Kom, a multiple-time world champion from Manipur, and Bhutia, known as the Sikkimese Sniper, represent the success stories the games hope to replicate across tribal regions.

Local leaders described the event as a reflection of Chhattisgarh's growing emphasis on sports infrastructure and youth development. The state government has been actively promoting sports in tribal-dominated areas through earlier initiatives like the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.

Boost to tribal sports ecosystem

The successful hosting of the Khelo India Tribal Games is seen as a boost for sports in Chhattisgarh, which has a substantial tribal population. Officials pointed out that the event not only showcased athletic prowess but also celebrated the cultural richness of indigenous communities through traditional sports elements.

Participation from across the country helped create a national platform for athletes who often face limited access to modern training facilities. Many events witnessed spirited contests, with athletes displaying raw talent shaped by traditional lifestyles and physical endurance developed in challenging terrains.

What lies ahead for participants

As the curtains come down on the inaugural edition, attention now shifts to how the identified talent will be integrated into the broader Khelo India ecosystem. State officials are expected to announce follow-up measures, including talent scouting and specialised coaching camps.

The games have underscored the potential of decentralised sporting events in uncovering talent from India's diverse regions. With the closing ceremony set to feature cultural performances alongside medal distributions, the day promises to be a fitting tribute to the spirit of competition and unity.

This edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games has reinforced the government's commitment to inclusive sports development, ensuring that no region or community is left behind in India's sporting journey. As athletes return to their states with new experiences and aspirations, the focus remains on building a stronger pipeline for future national champions from tribal backgrounds.