Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Bhaichung Bhutia play soccer for charity
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bhaichung Bhutia shared a common dais in collaboration with Magic Bus. The organisation works in nurturing children and moving them out of poverty.
Team India Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday said success begets success as he associated himself with "Hip Hip Hurray" to promote a sports-based curriculum to engage children and youth in Jharkhand.
"It is said that success of anything attracts many others into it. And if we work hard together we can achieve success," Dhoni said here.
"I have been trying for long how could I associate with Magic Bus (India Foundation), but did not get a mutual spark. Now I think we have struck the right chord soccer," Dhoni said in the presence of former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia, former Jharkhand deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahto and other ex-players.
Magic Bus, which works in nurturing children and moving them out of poverty, has set a 'goal' in Jharkhand, empowering 88,000 youth covering 4,423 panchayats.
"Very rarely different sports personalities get an opportunity to share a common dais. Though we play different sports we have one thing in common---we play for (sic) win," Dhoni said referring to Bhutia and other former players on the stage to mark the launching ceremony.
Appreciating Bhutia's love and passion for football, the India cricket captain said: "I thank former players present on the dais for bringing glory to Jharkhand and the nation, and Bhaichung Bhutia for Sikkim and the nation."
Thanking the organisers for creating the blue print for Jharkhand to benefit the youth in the state, Dhoni said he didn't know how much time he would get to be physically present during football matches and talent scouting in different panchayats.
"We have taken up a big responsibility upon us. Hopefully, I get a break to see them on ground. But I keep my fingers crossed," he said.
"Now I will let the responsibility to former football players. Panchayat members too have a big responsibility in the success of the programme," Dhoni said and suggested if the programme through soccer succeeded than other sports too could be taken up as "Jharkhand is known for archery and hockey and badminton is also coming up."
"And enjoy success," Dhoni signed off.