"Historic moment": Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hails inclusion of two players of Indian heritage in FIFA World Cup squads
New Delhi, June 2
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday hailed the inclusion of two players of Indian heritage in FIFA World Cup 2026 squads, calling it a "historic moment" for Indian football fans.
In a post on X, Tharoor highlighted the selection of Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid in Qatar's national team and Nishan Velupillay in Australia's 26-member World Cup squad.
"A historic moment for Indian football fans. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we will have two players of Indian heritage gracing the global stage," Tharoor wrote.
The Congress leader noted that 19-year-old winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid had become the first player of Indian origin to be selected for Qatar's national team, pointing to his family roots in Kannur, Kerala.
"19-year-old winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid makes history as the first player of Indian origin selected for the Qatar national team, carrying the immense pride of his family roots in Kannur, Kerala. Meanwhile, Australia's 26-man squad features Melbourne Victory's dynamic 25-year-old winger Nishan Velupillay, whose origins are in Tamil Nadu," he added.
Tharoor also recalled the achievements of former France midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo, whose ancestors traced their roots to Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh before migrating to Mauritius and later France.
"They follow in the footsteps of Vikash Dhorasoo, the elegant and creative midfielder whose forefathers hailed from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh (migrating to Mauritius and later to France), who played for the French National Team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, winning a runners-up medal," the MP wrote.
Expressing pride in the achievements of the Indian diaspora, Tharoor said the growing presence of players with Indian roots on football's biggest stage was a matter of celebration.
"Seeing the global Indian diaspora make its mark on football's grandest platform is an absolute joy. Best of luck to both young men as they head to North America," he said.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with teams from around the world set to compete in the expanded tournament from June 12.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see Indian heritage represented at the highest level. But honestly, it's also a reminder of how much work we need to do at home to develop our own football talent. We can't just rely on NRIs forever.
Tharoor keeping the flag flying for Kerala connection! Kannur produce real talent, yaar. First Tahsin in Qatar, and Nishan from Tamil Nadu too. Cricket rules our hearts but football has a special place in Kerala and NE states. Sochne ka mauka!
Historical indeed! 2006 we had Vikash Dhorasoo, now two players. Our diaspora spreading Indian genes globally. But let's be real—when will an Indian-born player represent India in World Cup? That's the real dream. Still happy for these boys!
While I appreciate Tharoor's enthusiasm, we need to focus on grassroots football in India itself. Our ISL clubs and state associations are not doing enough. But yes, heartwarming to see Tahsin and Nishan—may they shine bright! 💫
As a football fan from Australia, it's amazing to see Nishan Velupillay make the squad. Melbourne Victory fans are proud! His Tamil roots add another layer to the multicultural fabric of our team. Great to see Indian heritage celebrated worldwide.
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