Following In The Footsteps

Helmi Mohammed, Qatar

My name is Helmi Mohammed. I am a former professional footballer from India, currently working at a building materials firm in Qatar. As a child, I wasn't interested in the game early on and did not get any formal coaching until my teenage years. I only started playing at 14. A coach once watched me play and contacted my father, asking to have me play for his team. From then on, various opportunities came my way - I played for India's schools’ team, and also represented my state at national level. At the professional stage, I played in the I-League's first and second divisions for a number of teams, including the local side Viva Kerala FC. While at Mahindra United F.C., I suffered an accident which forced me to leave professional football.

I came to Qatar in December 2010, shortly after the country won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup. It became my dream to be able to watch the World Cup here, and I hope it comes true. When I arrived in Doha, I didn't know anyone - but a friend back home contacted a friend in Qatar who knew a friend, letting him know about me! As luck would have it, I got selected immediately to represent my district team in the Indian expatriate community tournament. Almost nine years later, I'm still playing for them as the captain, and I have also worn the armband for the Indian community team in a tournament conducted by the Qatar Football Association.

Who is in the photos? Where were the photos taken? 

I took photos outside my house in Al Thumama, showing my three children playing football with the kids from next door. I also showed my eldest two children waiting outside the Al Sadd club training pitch, hoping to meet the coach of the team - the legendary Xavi Hernandez.

Lastly there are photos during the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Duhail, the first-ever game played at the new Al Janoub World Cup Stadium in Al Wakrah. They show the multinational crowd who packed the venue.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

I wanted to show how football is played across the country, capturing the little moments I come across during my involvement with the game here. You get to see locals and expats, adults and children, all enjoying the game. The enjoyment you get from the game is universal. Most importantly, I aimed to show how my kids were learning about the game and showing an interest early on. 

What is your favourite photo? Why?

My youngest child, who is just a year old, kicking the ball and making her intervention in a game between her brother and his friend. It shows the baby steps she is taking, following in the footsteps of her siblings and father.

What role does football play in Qatari society?

I am not very deeply acquainted with Qatari society, but I can sense that it is very important - there are tournaments at every level and the government's priority for the game is very evident. Generally, crowds can be low at the stadiums but when the top clubs play the more prestigious games, there is a lot more interest and attendances rise.

What changes are happening in Qatari football culture?

Everything revolves around the World Cup; with the tournament fast approaching, there is always this intent to be better and showcase football in the country in the best manner possible. The world watches every step Qatar takes and so, everything from fan culture to the organisation of the game takes on more meaning and importance than say, a few years ago. If you're involved in football here on any level, you always get to learn something new. 

Are there any good stories connected with the people or teams you photographed? 

When I took my kids to meet Xavi, we had to wait for two hours - but it was worth it! When he turned up, Xavi happily obliged for a picture, which became a hot topic back home after being circulated in Whatsapp groups!

That was around four months ago. Since then, I have noticed a big change in my son's attitude towards football. I have always wanted to see him show an interest in football, but he'd never do it. Instead he preferred cars and racing. I thought taking them to meet Xavi would spark something.

I don't know if that's what did it, but football has now become a huge part of his life! Playing in street games with the neighborhood kids is the best part of his day; it is followed by a dinner table discussion with us, where he explains the tricks he managed to complete and the improvements he vows to make.

He now wears a jersey under his school uniform so that he can rush to play the game once he's back home! His teacher says that his mood has changed completely, and that his focus is on football. It is all quite surprising but all my attempts to take him to games and make him involved seem to have paid off. He now cries if I go for a match without him!

What is the most surprising or interesting part of Qatari football culture?

I have always wondered about the availability of facilities here - it's much more than the demand! I have had people ask me: why are there so many football pitches across the country? I don't know if there is something like this anywhere else in the world, if you look at the numbers proportional to the population. 

Why is football so important for your community?

It’s a much-needed break from the work routine for all of us. We loved the game back home and we can still enjoy it here in Qatar.

What does football mean to you?

Whenever there's anything football-related, if it's something that I can contribute to, I jump at the chance and get involved, whatever it is. I play, coach, referee and also help organise community tournaments. If I wasn't involved in football here, I would have left Qatar. Without all these footballing activities, life would be boring for me.

What will be the biggest impact of the World Cup in 2022?

I think there's a lot of prestige that Qatar is set to earn, as a small country making history by becoming the first in the Middle East to host the World Cup. That will bring about a huge change in the country's reputation and if everything goes well, this will be the highlight in the story of Qatar's making. This will be the event that changed a lot of things here, in terms of social impact, infrastructure and also, football development as well. 

What is the future for football in Qatar?

I'm not sure if there's anything that can match the World Cup. That will be the pinnacle and in the next three years, we will probably see a lot more development in all aspects of football. The challenge after that will be to maintain those standards and I think Qatar will keep those. For that to happen, the authorities will have to continue supporting the game here.