Chencho Gyeltshen sets eyes on I-League title with Punjab FC

CHANDIGARH: From the dizzying highs of eight goals and seven assists to propel Minerva Punjab FC to their maiden I-League title in the 2017-2018 season to a low of warming the bench at the Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2019, the 'Bhutanese Ronaldo' is ready for a new journey this I-League season. Forward Chencho Gyeltshen will play for Punjab FC, signing a two-year contract, in a homecoming under new ownership and new branding."I am quite excited to be a part of one of the finest clubs in Indian football. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback about the management and the team. I am looking forward to giving my 100% to the team and, hopefully, will be able to reach new heights," the 24-year-old told TOI in an exclusive chat.Punjab FC has signed former Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace manager Curtis Fleming as the new head coach."I can't wait to get started under the new coach and my teammates. As far as the bio-bubble is concerned, I am sure the club has a definite plan to keep us safe," said Chencho, who was a terror for defenders a couple of years ago, with full-backs not fancying him. "The I-League trophy has been a major change in my career. It will always remain as one of the most prestigious titles for me," he said.Last year, the Bengaluru FC had signed Chencho, but he moved to NEROCA FC owing to a lack of game time. At the end of the 2019-20 season, he returned to his home club Paro FC in Bhutan. In the AFC Cup qualification, he scored three goals in four matches, helping Paro win the opening round by overcoming Sri Lankan club Defenders SC over two legs. The team lost to Bengaluru FC in the second round.Chencho's talent was spotted at an early age. Bhutanese giants Yeedzin FC recruited him in 2008 before he moved to Thimphu FC. And soon, he became a popular name in the domestic circuit. His stint with Surin City FC in Thailand made him the first Bhutanese player to play outside the country.Chencho's performances earned him his first national cap against Nepal at the age of 19. The youngster made the most of the opportunity. Although Bhutan ended up on the losing side, Chencho netted his first international goal.The youngster's crowning moment came in 2015 when he scored twice to guide his lowest-ranked team to a sensational win over Sri Lanka in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, making him a household name. In 2016, he became the highest-paid sportsperson in Bhutan after signing for the Bangladesh club Chittagong Abahani."Bhutan has improved significantly over the years, and people in our country do consider football as a profession. The coaches, too, are getting a lot of exposure. So, I'm happy that Bhutanese players and coaches are getting opportunities in India and beyond," he said.The Covid-19 has caused a global crisis, and sporting activities have taken a big hit. Bhutan, too, was not spared. "The entire country was under a lockdown. It was sad to see people suffering across the world. Of course, I could not train properly, but thankfully, I am safe and resumed my training once the lockdown was lifted," recalled Chencho.