Palakkad, 08 June (H.S.):A young Malayali student studying in Oman has earned global recognition after his artwork was selected to be displayed on the official team bus of the Qatar national football team at the FIFA World Cup.

Ten-year-old Shasain Saki, a Class IV student, achieved the distinction after winning an international drawing competition jointly organised by FIFA and Hyundai as part of the World Cup celebrations. His artwork was chosen from thousands of entries submitted by children from across the world, earning him a place among the 48 global winners selected by FIFA.

As part of the competition, the winning artworks were featured on the buses used by participating teams during the tournament. Shasain’s drawing was chosen for the Qatar team bus, giving the young artist an opportunity to showcase his creativity on one of football’s biggest global stages.

The recognition has brought immense pride not only to his family but also to the Malayali community in Oman and Kerala. The achievement comes at a time when football enthusiasts across the world are eagerly following the FIFA World Cup, making the honour even more significant for the young student.

Adding to the excitement, Shasain and his family are preparing to travel to the United States to experience the World Cup firsthand. FIFA has awarded the young winner and his father an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the Qatar-Switzerland match scheduled to be held in San Francisco on June 13.

The prize package includes match tickets, international airfare, visa arrangements, accommodation and all related travel expenses. Shasain and his father, Shakeel, are expected to leave for the United States on June 11.

Shasain is the son of Shakeel, a native of Shoranur in Kerala’s Palakkad district who works for a private company in Oman, and Nabeela. He has two sisters, Shansa Zuhra and Shesa Zuhra.

The young artist’s achievement has added a special reason for celebration among football-loving Malayalis, who are also eagerly awaiting the FIFA World Cup debut of Malayali footballer Tahseen Mohammed with the Qatar national team. Together, the player’s anticipated appearance and Shasain’s international recognition have given Kerala’s football community a memorable moment on the world stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman