India scripted a historic triumph in the AFC Challenge Cup earlier in the month to qualify for the Asian Cup after 24 years and AIFF Chief Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said that

coach Houghton will get a second tenure after his current contract expires in June next year.

"Under him (Houghton) we qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup. We are going to extend his contract next year," Dasmunshi said at a luncheon to acknowledge the contribution of ONGC in Indian football.

Dasmunshi also urged Bhutia not to retire and lead the team in the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha. "Under any pressure, don't retire from international football until we spare you. You have to be there in the 2011 Asian Cup and you can retire only after we spare you," Dasmunshi earlier said to a media gathering.

The inspirational national captain acknowledged the gesture from the AIFF chief but said whether he plays in the Asia Cup or not depends on his fitness and whether he enjoys playing the game or not.

"It was a fine gesture from Dasmunshi. But as I said earlier it all depends on whether I enjoy playing football and my body allows it or not. I can't say right now that I will play till 2011. I will definitely play if I am enjoying the game at that point of time," he said.

Welcoming the move of extending Houghton's contract, Bhutia said "it augurs well for Indian football". "It is a very positive development, I have been saying all along that Houghton can lift Indian football to greater heights. I am really happy about the decision," said the Sikkimese Sniper who led from the front in India's AFC Challenge Cup triumph.

"Not only me, all the players in the current team have been saying this," added Bhutia, who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the tournament which saw India beat Tajikistan 4-1 in the final at Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.

India last qualified for the Asian Cup in 1984 and Dasmunshi praised the players and coach Houghton for achieving the "dream" of rubbing shoulders with the Asian elite.

"India realise the dream of playing in Asian Cup after a long time. This was made possible by the players under the leadership of Baichung and no doubt coach Houghton," he said. Dasmunshi urged the Corporate sector to invest in football and help in raising the standard of the game in the country now that India has qualified for the Asian Cup.

"We need attention from the Corporate sector in terms of building infrastructure and for the preparations of the Asian Cup. We have to do well in 2011 and in the next three years we will need at least Rs 2 crore per year for the preparation," he said.

"Indian football is looking up. We are hopeful of India Under 16 team doing well in the AFC Under 16 Championship in Uzbekistan in October (with top four teams making it to the Under 16 World Cup). Then one club from the country will play in the AFC Champions League next year, so I urge the private sector to take interest in the game," he added.

Dasmunshi said a systematic planning for the preparation of the Asian Cup will start after Houghton returns from holiday.

"2011 is far away but we have to start from now. We have to hunt talent from all over the country, from the I-League and few other tournaments, consult the ex-players. It will be a big project and the aim is to do well in the Adian Cup."