Sribadam’s Lako Phuti picked for Indian squad to Asian Football Confederation championship

GANGTOK, 16 Oct: Lako Phuti Bhutia has become the fourth woman from Sikkim to play international football following her selection in the U-19 Indian Women’s football team.
Pushpa Chhetri, Anuradha Chhetri and Nima Lhamu Bhutia are others from the state who have represented the country in the international arena.
A release from Sikkim Football Association informs that Lako is part of the India U-19 National Women’s Team which is to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) championship to be held in Malaysia.
After attending a coaching camp at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat for one month, the team will leave from Mumbai to Malaysia on 17 October. As per the release, the Indian team will play two matches in the qualifying round. On 20 October, they will play against Bangladesh and on 24 October they will play against Uzbekistan.
Lako hails from the remote village of Sribadam, West Sikkim and is the daughter of Mikchen Bhutia and Late Pem Lhamu Bhutia.
General secretary, Sikkim Football Association [SFA], Menla Ethenpa has expressed that SFA is very happy with her performance in the international arena. Mr Ethenpa called upon other Sikkimese women soccer players to follow the foot steps of Lako Phuti, the release mentions.
While talking to SFA from Gandhi Nagar before her departure to Mumbai en-route to Malaysia, Lako thanked SFA for giving her an opportunity and also thanked her Coach at Mangalbaria Football Academy, Palden Bhutia for nurturing her talent.
President, SFA, BK Roka has also sent a message congratulating her and wished her all the very best.