For generations of Malayalis, the FIFA World Cup has been a month-long festival. Villages and towns across Kerala transform into miniature football capitals every four years, with giant cut-outs of global stars, midnight screenings and fierce debates over Brazil, Argentina and Germany becoming part of the state's cultural landscape. This time, however, football-crazy Kerala will have something it has never had before, one of its own on the World Cup stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a historic first for the state, Kannur-origin footballer Tahsin Mohammed Jamsheed has been named in Qatar's 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Malayali ever to make the final squad for the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The young winger's selection marks a watershed moment for Kerala, a state that has long lived and breathed football but has never before seen one of its sons reach the sport's grandest stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
From the sevens football grounds of Malabar to packed viewing centres that spring up during every World Cup, football enjoys a near-religious following in Kerala.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yet despite producing several accomplished footballers over the decades, a place in a World Cup squad had remained elusive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tahsin, who currently plays for Qatar Stars League giants Al-Duhail SC, has steadily risen through Qatar's youth ranks, representing the country's Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 teams before breaking into the senior national side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He had earlier created history as the first Indian-origin player to feature in the Qatar Stars League. A skilful left winger known for his pace, creativity and eye for goal, Tahsin made his senior international debut against Afghanistan during the World Cup qualifiers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although he was included in the squad for a match against India, he did not take the field. He subsequently featured in Qatar's crucial qualifying fixtures, earning the confidence of the national selectors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tahsin is the second son of Hibasil Jamsheed, a Thalassery native working as a chief accountant in Qatar, and Shaima, who hails from Valapattanam.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Born and raised in Qatar, the youngster has nevertheless become a source of immense pride for Kerala, particularly for football-loving Kannur.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tahsin is the second son of Hibasil Jamsheed, a Thalassery native working as a chief accountant in Qatar, and Shaima, who hails from Valapattanam.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the first time, a player with roots in Kerala will walk onto football's biggest stage, turning a long-cherished dream of the state's football fraternity into reality.<\/p>\r\n\r\n