June, Bhaichung Bhutia and Aparajita Ghosh Das flag off the LG Para Football at Cams Corner in Alipore on Monday. Picture by Pabitra Das

Bhaichung Bhutia has played plenty of it while growing up and during his initial days in Calcutta. And on Monday afternoon the Indian football captain was busy encouraging youngsters to come forward for a dose of the game as LG Para Football was flagged off at Cams Corner on Judges Court Road, Alipore.

“Para football has always been there but to have it in a more organised manner is very interesting. I am sure there’s a lot of hidden talent. They now have the opportunity to represent their paras. They are going to watch the World Cup and try and emulate the moves. Their brothers, sisters and parents can see them play at least in para football if not at the Salt Lake stadium,” smiled the star footballer, dressed smart in checked shirt and denims.

Bhaichung also walked down memory lane recollecting his days of playing football in the Sikkim gullies. “It used to happen throughout the year. There used to be small goalposts. We used to play bare feet. There would be people cheering loudly from the windows,” he recalled.

And what about the greatest sports show on earth that is holding centre-stage in South Africa at the moment? “So far it has been interesting. I only hope that good teams go till the end. Last time Italy wasn’t a favourite, but they won. I want to see Spain, England, Argentina, Brazil and Germany do well,” he said. And who are the players he is rooting for? “(Lionel) Messi, (Wayne) Rooney, Kaka…,” he rattled off.

so present at the event were actresses June and Aparajita Ghosh Das. “I am a sports freak. I am supporting Argentina and Brazil. I love them! I am happy that Maradona is a part of Argentina this time. I am fond of Rooney but not of England as a team. I will watch all the matches from the quarterfinals onwards, which will be the midnight matches. That’s when the real fever will catch on,” smiled June. While she will be cheering for (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Kaka and Messi, June will be “really missing” Ronaldinho. “I want the finals to be played between Argentina and Brazil. I wish I could go to South Africa but a whole lot of friends are going and they have promised to bring the mascot (Zakumi) back.” Aparajita, not much of a soccer buff, plans to burn the midnight oil and shout out loud for Argentina and Brazil. Her fave footballer is Kaka.

The para tournament kicks off on June 18 with the finals slotted for July 11 in the city. The number of teams kicking up a storm is 118.