New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh hopes that his historic World Cup appearance will open doors for other players of South Asian heritage to reach football’s global stage.
The 27-year-old made history by becoming the first Sikh to play at a World Cup when he featured in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw against Iran in Los Angeles.
Speaking from San Diego, California, on Thursday, Singh said: “It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my people, my family, my community.
“I’m very happy to be the first, and pave the way for the rest of them coming through.
“I hope to see many more Singhs and Sikhs and Punjabi footballers coming through, and Indian heritage footballers.”
India has never played in a World Cup, although they qualified for the 1950 tournament in Brazil after other Asian nations withdrew. The country eventually pulled out due to financial concerns.
Singh’s trailblazing effort is complemented by other players of Indian heritage representing different nations in the North American tournament, including Australia forward Nishan Velupillay, whose mother has southern Indian roots, and Qatar winger Tahsin Jamshid.
Singh said he had noticed people supporting him when New Zealand played at a tournament in India several years ago.
“I always know I’m representing them, as well as New Zealand, so I always try and do my best,” he said.
New Zealand will bid for their first World Cup win against Egypt in their second Group G match on Sunday in Vancouver.
New Zealand vs Iran
The Group G match on Monday night ended in a 2-2 draw, with Iran twice coming from behind to rescue a point from their opening game.
Elijah Just put New Zealand in front twice, but his goals were cancelled out by strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.
Iran faced a disrupted build-up to the tournament amid the nation’s ongoing conflict with the US, who are co-hosting the World Cup.
Iran moved their training base to Mexico ahead of the World Cup, with the squad flying into the US for each of their three group matches.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei later said his team is the “most oppressed” at the World Cup due to their travel restrictions.
