Bhaichung Bhutia (born 15 December 1976), also spelled as Baichung Bhutia, is an Indian former professional footballer who played as a striker.[3][4][5][6] Bhutia is considered as the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena.[7] He is often nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper because of his shooting skills in football.[8][9] Three-time Indian Player of the Year I. M. Vijayan described Bhutia as "God's gift to Indian football".[10]