With the FIFA World Cup set to begin soon, Australia have included a player of Tamil Nadu heritage in their squad.
The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Australia’s squad features Nishan Velupillai, described as a Tamil player of Malaysian–Sri Lankan origin.
The report also notes that Dashin Mohammed Jamshid, a 19-year-old with family roots in Kannur, Kerala, has been selected to represent Qatar.
In a statement, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said it was a historic moment for Indian football followers, as two players with Indian heritage have drawn attention on the international stage ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Tharoor also recalled the example of Vikash Dhorasoo—born to parents from Andhra Pradesh who later moved to Mauritius and then France—who played for France at the 2006 World Cup, where the team finished runners-up. He wished the young players well as the competition heads to North America.
