All is well with Indian football’s most watched thyroid. With Bhaichung Bhutia seated next to him, that’s what Dr Tirthankar Chaudhury had the media believe, here on Wednesday.
"Apart from watching his iodine intake, he can go back to his old routine," said the diabetes and endocrinology expert, adding that Bhutia could resume full training now.
Bhutia too said his weight is now back to the usual “74-75 kg” but he has pushed back returning to Portugal to join the national squad till Monday because his son isn’t well.
Bhutia said Dr Chaudhury had first diagnosed his thyroid problem in 2006. So, when, during training in Portugal, he saw he was losing weight, Bhutia said he decided to come back and consult the doctor.
“I am glad I did that because after a certain age, staying fit becomes your biggest challenge. Had I missed two-three months of training, it would have been a big loss but now, I think it will be only one month,” said the 31-year-old striker.
Backing India coach Bob Houghton's ambitious eight-month preparation programme for the Asian Cup, where India have qualified after 1984, Bhutia said this gamble had to be taken. He said India will have nothing to lose if this plan failed --- "we will stay at the same level" --- but a lot to gain if this works.
"North Korea stayed together for three-four years and got a team good enough to go to the World Cup. This (the Asian Cup) is our World Cup. With Australia, South Korea and Bahrain, we have toughest group but we hope to give a fight."
{{/usCountry}}"North Korea stayed together for three-four years and got a team good enough to go to the World Cup. This (the Asian Cup) is our World Cup. With Australia, South Korea and Bahrain, we have toughest group but we hope to give a fight."
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