Indian beach soccer captain Rohith Yesudas has a clear message for national team selectors: to achieve better results on the continental stage, the squad needs more players from Kerala. His statement comes not from regional bias, but from the undeniable, unmatched dominance of Kerala's beach soccer team, which has remained undefeated for three straight years.
The Unbeatable Record: Kerala's Beach Soccer Supremacy
Rohith Yesudas dismissed the idea that sending the Kerala state squad itself to represent India at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup would be far-fetched. His confidence is rooted in staggering statistics. For three consecutive years, the Kerala beach soccer team has not lost a single match. Their perfect record includes gold medals at the National Games, National Championships, Beach Games, and two editions of the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu.
They have not even dropped an inconsequential group-stage game, where only their pride and flawless record were on the line. "We should have had at least six (Kerala players in the national team), if not more," Rohith told TOI. He acknowledged technically skilled players from other states like Goa but emphasized the unparalleled cohesion of the Kerala unit. "We've played together for so long that we know each other like the back of our hand. Together we are very strong."
Dominance Displayed at Khelo India Beach Games, Diu
Kerala's overwhelming superiority was on full display during their recent gold medal triumph at the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu. The scorelines from the tournament read like a testament to their invincibility. They crushed Maharashtra 16-1 in the semifinals and overpowered former finalists Goa 8-2 in the title clash. Their group-stage matches were even more one-sided, featuring victories over Karnataka (15-2), Daman & Diu (7-0), and Himachal Pradesh (21-0).
Captain Musheer TKB, one of the four Malayali players who represented India at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup in Thailand last year, explained their natural affinity for the sport. "We are used to playing on the beach, on the sand," he said. "It's completely different to regular football. When we step on the beach, it feels like we are playing at home, our backyard. Everything comes naturally. We've had the same team for three years."
The Coastal Roots of a Footballing Culture
The secret to Kerala's beach soccer prowess lies in its geography and deep-rooted football culture. The state boasts close to 600 kilometers of coastline, touching ten of its fourteen districts. Players, predominantly from the coastal districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, and Kasaragod, grow up with the sand beneath their feet.
A prime example is Vettucaud, a coastal fishermen's village in Thiruvananthapuram. This village, with its strong beach culture and clubs like St Mary's Sports Club, has produced numerous football talents who have excelled in the Santosh Trophy, I-League, and the Indian Super League (ISL). This tradition seamlessly translates into dominance on the beach soccer pitch.
Even opponents recognize their quality. Goa coach and former India captain Bruno Coutinho, who scored twice in India's debut Asian beach soccer tournament in 2009, admitted, "They are the best beach soccer team. For beach soccer, you need a different skill set."
Rohith Yesudas's argument is simple and backed by evidence. "If you take more players from Kerala in the Indian team, we can have better results," he asserted. "No state can play better than us. We are confident, together we can beat anyone." Given Kerala's unblemished record and stunning performances, it is a claim that is difficult to dispute.
