Lako Phuti breaks into senior team

She has played for India in the Under-17 and U-19 squads, and last week she suited up in Team India colours to debut in the senior team as well. Lako Phuti Bhutia, the midfielder from Mangalbaria in West Sikkim, is part of the national team for the 3rd SAFF Women’s Football Championship held in Islamabad (Pakistan) from 11 to 21 November 2014. Lako was finalized for the national team after impressing selectors at the coaching camp conducted by AIFF.
A product of the Girls Football Academy managed by Palden Bhutia at Mangalbaria in West Sikkim, Lako has consistently impressed all with her skills and commitment to the sport. In a facebook message posted early in the morning of 09 November, this is how she shared news of her final selection: “…it’s a great day for me that I will be playing SAFF 2014 for India. I am very much thankful to those who supported me. thnq ‪#‎Palden‬ sir. — traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan.” [For a detailed profile on the Girls Football Academy of Mangalbaria, turn to pg9]
Her coach, Palden Bhutia, received the news [also on facebook] thus: “Big achievement for GFA Mangalbarey, Sikkim that is one player of GFA, Laku Phuti selected in National team for SAFF championship, Islamabad. So well wishers and my friends I would like to thanks for your great support. My special thanks to Menla sir, BK Roka sir and all the members of SFA for big and eternal support... THANKS…”