SOCCER: New Zealand's Singh proud to blaze a trail for Sikh community at World Cup

SANTA CLARA, California — New Zealand midfielder Sarpreet Singh hopes his World Cup appearance will help open doors for more players of South Asian heritage on football’s biggest stage.

The 27-year-old became the first Sikh footballer to play at a World Cup when he featured in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran national football team in Los Angeles in their opening match.

“It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my people, my family, my community,” Singh told reporters at the team’s hotel in San Diego, California, on Thursday.

“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 have never appeared at a World Cup, although they qualified for the 1950 tournament in Brazil after several Asian nations withdrew from qualifying. India later pulled out due to financial concerns.

Several players of Indian heritage are currently representing other nations at the tournament in North America, including Australia forward Nishan Velupillay, whose mother has roots in southern India, and Qatar winger Tahsin Jamshid.

Singh said he has often felt strong support from fans with South Asian heritage, including during a previous tournament appearance in India.

“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 next face Egypt national football team in their second Group G match on Sunday in Vancouver, aiming for their first World Cup win of the tournament. -Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters