GANGTOK, 13 Aug: Martam Charitable Youth Association (an NGO) organised a felicitation programme for Machong Tshering Bhutia on 11 August on being selected for the Tata Tea Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars 2012.
Nearly 6,500 young players from 650 schools participated in the fifth season of the Tata Tea Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars. Machong is among the 16 youngsters who made the cut and will be representing India in a football tournament in Milan later this year.
The felicitation programme was attended by well wishers from Martam-Nazitam GPU and people belonging to Martam residing in Gangtok. The chief guest for the programme was president Martam-Nazitam GPU, Deepak Lama while others present included KB Thatal [panchayat vice president], Kalo Bhutia [panchayat secretary], SP Machangpa [panchayat member], Rinzing Gensapa [secretary KRC] and Dr Nima [JD Animal Husbandry].
A press release informs that Machong is the son of Tshering Samdup Bhutia, a resident of Martam Lingtam and is currently facing problems regarding his passport. During the programme, he informed that he has to reach Italy by 16 September but unfortunately he is yet to receive his passport.
Chief guest, Mr Lama said that he would extend all possible help and appealed to members of the NGO to help Machong out. Members of the NGO have now decided to accompany Machong and his father to Kolkata to apply for tatkal passport, the release informs.
President Tshering Dawa thanked Mr Bikash, a teacher of Martam Sec School for his endless support and assistance in bringing Machong up to this level. He further expressed gratitude to Karma Thinley Bhutia [also known as Bito] for supporting and moulding Machong as a footballer during his childhood.
The NGO has appealed to the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to help Machong in the early delivery of his passport so that he can successfully represent the state and the country. “We congratulate and wish him success in the days ahead”, the release adds.
