Bob-Bhutia combine for Asia Cup

New Delhi, Aug. 26: The All India Football Federation on Tuesday disclosed that it would extend coach Bob Houghton’s contract after the Englishman guided the national team to Asian Cup while also urging captain Baichung Bhutia not to retire till the prestigious 2011 tournament.

India scripted a historic triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup earlier in the month to qualify for the Asian Cup after 24 years and AIFF chief Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said that coach Houghton will get a second tenure after his current contract expires in June next year.

"Under him (Houghton) we qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup. We are going to extend his contract next year," Dasmunshi said at a luncheon to acknowledge the contribution of ONGC in Indian football.

Dasmunshi also urged Bhutia not to retire and lead the team in the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha.

"Under any pressure, don’t retire from international football until we spare you. You have to be there in the 2011 Asian Cup and you can retire only after we spare you," Dasmunshi said at a media gathering.

The inspirational national captain acknowledged the gesture from the AIFF chief but said whether he plays in the Asia Cup or not depends on his fitness and whether he enjoys playing the game or not.

"It was a fine gesture from Dasmunshi. But as I said earlier it all depends on whether I enjoy playing football and my body allows it or not. I can’t say right now that I will play till 2011. I will definitely play if I am enjoying the game at that point of time," he said.

Welcoming the move of extending Houghton’s contract, Bhutia said, "It augurs well for Indian football. It’s a positive development." — PTI