Ayantan Chowdhury By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Asian quota allocation for I-League teams are usually occupied by players from countries ranked above India. However, this year, Minerva Punjab FC took the opposite route — including a player from Bhutan, a country who until very recently were the lowest ranked football nation in the world.

Chencho Gyeltshen has been a revelation for the Khogen Singh-coached side. With two goals and as many assists in five games, Minerva are top of the charts.

Chencho Gyeltshen

Apart from wanting to fire the club to glory, Chencho also has motivations of his own. “Since pre-season, there has been a feel-good factor. We are all motivated to do well. For me, it is even more so because I want to prove to the world that just because I’m from Bhutan does not mean I can be underestimated,” the 21-year-old told Express.

The winger’s feats for his country are even more remarkable. Ranked 209th and dead last in March 2015, Chencho single-handedly inspired his nation to their first-ever World Cup qualifier victory against Sri Lanka.

Dubbed the ‘Bhutanese Ronaldo’, he is referred to as CG7 by fans and teammates alike. There is a story behind that moniker. Something he reveals with a laugh. “I played football as a hobby but I was never serious about it. Then one day, I saw a Manchester United match in which Ronaldo, wearing the No 7 jersey, was unplayable.

“Since then, I decided to follow in his footsteps. I attended the U-12 national trial. Since then, I have never looked back.”

Having played in clubs from Bhutan, Thailand and Bangladesh, the Paro-native has been around the blocks a fair bit. He feels the I-League is good but the Indian Super League has captured the imagination of people worldwide. “The standard in I-League is comparable to the Thai league. Our league back home is in shambles. My dream, however, is to make my way into an ISL side,” he said.

Chencho is the highest-paid Bhutanese athlete and has a huge fan following back home. Something that can be evidenced from the fact that Minerva owner Ranjit Bajaj allowed free entry for all Bhutanese citizens.

“Lot of people started messaging me, asking me for passes. I spoke to Ranjit Sir, and he took this decision. I thank him for this initiative and plan to repay everyone’s faith with my on-field performances and help my club win the I-League crown.”

ayantan@newindianexpress.com