At a time when Indian football is experiencing a revival, players of Indian origin are making waves in Qatar, too.

Tahsin Muhammad Jamshid, a teenager of Indian origin, is very close to making history by becoming the first to be selected to represent back-to-back reigning Asian champions Qatar.

The 18-year-old, whose parents belong to Kannur in the Indian state of Kerala, will likely open his senior international career on June 11, against his parents’ country of origin, when Qatar takes on India in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Tahsin’s father, Jamshid Thachankandy, an accountant, and mother, Shyma, moved to Doha in 1996. Tahsin, their second son, said he expected his call-up to the Qatar national team.  

“For me, Qatar is my own country. I’m a Qatari citizen. Having already played for Qatar’s U-17 and U-19 teams, this selection didn’t come as a big surprise. Nevertheless, I’m very happy and honored to be chosen,” Tahsin was quoted as saying by Indian daily The New Indian Express.

Having already qualified for the competition’s third round from Group A, the West Asian powerhouses are grooming their future team.

“The senior team always keeps an eye on junior players and club leagues in the country. I was a part of Al Duhail when I received the call from the national team. I’m thrilled to have this chance to play in Qatar’s senior team. But as a team, we still have miles to go,” he said.

Tahsin said playing against his country of origin was just a part of the game.

“According to FIFA rules, if a player is born in a country, they’re eligible to play for that country. Moreover, I’ve a Qatari passport. There’s no politics in playing football. I grew up in Qatar under the prestigious Aspire Academy. For me, playing football is the only motive; there’s nothing else to it,” he said.

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