Football player Lako Phuti Bhutia wants to set an example for women

Sikkim has given India another gem: Lako Phuti Bhutia, the football player who with her team, won the 3rd SAFF Women's Championship 2014 last week. All of 20, Bhutia comes from a small village in Sikkim called Sribadam. She is a product of the Mangalbari Women’s Football Academy and her sister Nima Lhamu Bhutia, is also a footballer.

In 2012, Bhutia received recognition when she was selected for the Under-19 National Team for the 2013 AFC U-19 Women's Championship qualification in Malayasia. She is a defender for the Indian team; however, her biggest win came when she won The Women’s championship for India this year.

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According to a report by Times of India, Bhutia said, "I had set the target for myself to play for the country in the SAFF championship and it was with this goal in mind I worked. When I achieved it, every drop of sweat and every sacrifice were worth it." She added, "It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to wear the Indian Women's football team jersey and be a member of the winning team at the 3rd SAFF Women's Championship 2014."

Bhutia wishes to set an example for other girls as well. "I want to make a career out of football and in the process encourage more girls to take their football to higher levels," she said, following her win in Islamabad last week.