Malayali origin teenager named in Qatar squad against India

KANNUR: When India take on Qatar on June 11 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, 18-year-old Tahsin Muhammad Jamshid – whose parents belong to Kannur – is expected to become the original opener Indian to play for the West Asian power. Tahsin, the newest member of the Qatar national football team, is the second son of Jamshid Thachankandy and Shyma.

While Jamshid – who works in Doha as an accountant – hails from Thalassery, Shyma belongs to Valapattanam. The couple moved to Doha in 1996 and Tahsin was born there.

“For me, Qatar is my own country. I am a Qatari citizen. Having previously played for the Qatar U-17 and U-19 teams, this selection comes as no surprise. Nevertheless, I am very happy and honored to have been chosen,” Tahsin told TNIE from Doha.

As Qatar has already qualified for the third round of Group A, it is preparing the future team, he said.

“The senior team always keeps an eye on the junior players and club leagues around the country. I was part of a top football club in Qatar, Al Duhail, when I got the call to the national team. I'm delighted to have this chance to play in the World Cup team. But as a team we still have miles to go to win the World Cup,” he said.

For Tahsin, playing against India is just part of the game.

“Under FIFA rules, if a player is born in a country, he is eligible to play for that country. Additionally, I have a Qatari passport. There is no politics in football. I grew up in Qatar as part of the prestigious government-sponsored Aspire Academy. For me, playing football is the only motivation; there is nothing else to do,” he explained.

Tahsin's father, Jamshid, was also a talented footballer. During his college days, Jamshid played for Calicut University for four years.