Indian-Origin Players to Shine at FIFA World Cup 2026, Celebrated by Tharoor
'A historic moment': Tharoor celebrates as Indian-origin duo set to feature at FIFA World Cup 2026
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has hailed the inclusion of two players of Indian heritage, Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid and Nishan Velupillay, in the squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks a significant achievement for Indian football fans and the global Indian diaspora.
- 01Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is the first player of Indian origin selected for Qatar's national team, with roots in Kannur, Kerala.
- 02Nishan Velupillay, an Australian winger, has family origins in Tamil Nadu.
- 03Both players continue the legacy of Vikash Dhorasoo, who represented France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
- 04Tharoor expressed pride in the achievements of the Indian diaspora in football.
- 05The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from the Congress party, has celebrated a significant milestone for Indian football fans as two players of Indian heritage are set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tharoor announced on social media that 19-year-old winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid has made history by becoming the first player of Indian origin to be selected for Qatar’s national team, with family roots tracing back to Kannur, Kerala. Additionally, he highlighted Australia’s 25-year-old winger Nishan Velupillay, whose origins lie in Tamil Nadu. Tharoor noted that these players follow in the footsteps of Vikash Dhorasoo, a former France midfielder of Indian descent who played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Expressing his pride, Tharoor remarked on the joy of seeing the global Indian diaspora making a mark on such a prestigious platform. He wished both players success as they head to North America for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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The inclusion of these players highlights the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global sports, particularly football.
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