Baichung calls Nehru Cup triumph ''start of a new beginning''

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) Though buoyed by India's maiden Nehru Cup triumph, national captain Baichung Bhutia refused to term it a turnaround in Indian football but said it could be the ''start of a new beginning''.

''It is too early to think of a turnaround or resurgence in Indian football. We can no doubt can start from here for bigger achievements,'' Baichung said.

''We played a very good tournament and won it. It is fantastic,'' added the 31-year-old veteran at the post-match press conference after India defeated Syria 1-0 in the final yesterday.

Baichung said the Nehru Cup win was one of the most important moments of his illustrious career and he was happy India won an international title after long years.

''We have very few international tournaments at home, so it is one of the most important moments in my career,'' the Mohun Bagan striker said.

Excepting the SAFF Cup which India had won four times -- the last in 2005 -- and LG Cup in Vietnam in 2002, India's international title could date back to 1974 Asian Youth Championship in Bangkok and 1952 and 1961 Asian Games.

Baichung, who has played for India for more than 12 years, also set at rest speculations that he would call it quits in the near future.

''I am enjoying my game. As long as I am enjoying my game I am available to play for India. I have no plans to quit as yet,'' the Sikkimese, who is the only surviving member of the last edition of the Nehru Cup in Kochi in 1997, said.

Coach Bob Houghton, chose to look forward for more tougher tests ahead, beginning with the 2010 World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in October.

''The win will be a big morale booster for the World Cup qualifier. Then we have the SAFF Cup in December and the Asian Challenge Cup in March next year,'' Houghton said.

The Englishman, though, praised his boys for the triumph, saying, ''The boys played well in the whole tournament. They deserved to win.'' Syrian coach Fajer Ibrahim was gracious enough to concede that the Indians played a ''fantastic'' game.

''We thought India will play well in the final, but did not expect to play this well,'' he said.

Ibrahim had special praise for central defender Mahesh Gawli and goalkeeper Subrata Paul.

He also had words of appreciation for the capacity crowd who thronged the Ambedkar Stadium.

''You should have such crowds to win matches,'' he said.

UNI