PETALING JAYA: A trip to watch a FIFA World Cup match in the United States will be an early 70th birthday gift for a Malaysian football fan.
“My dad always wanted to watch a live football match, and it so happened that we are here in the US during the World Cup,” said partnership strategist Yuvha Dharshini.
Yuvha, 35, has lived in the United States for the past six and a half years and recently got permanent residency with her husband.
Although her father K. Rata Mohan will turn 70 only in September, she said the trip to the United States during the World Cup would be the perfect way to celebrate his lifelong passion for football.
The plan, made about six months ago, will see her father fly from Malaysia to New York on July 3 before attending a Round of 16 match in New Jersey, where he will be soaking in the atmosphere together with his son-in-law.
While Yuvha will not be joining them at the stadium because she is caring for a newborn baby, she is looking forward to seeing her father enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Prior to this, he attended his first live football match, watching Spanish giants FC Barcelona play in Spain in 2023.
“This will be his first live World Cup match, so he is super excited.”
Her father, a devoted Brazil supporter, is already preparing for the occasion by buying Brazil jerseys for the whole family.
“He is so excited that he is getting Brazil jerseys for all of us,” she said, adding that they are hoping Brazil will qualify for the knockout match they plan to attend.
Although the seats are not among the best available despite the ticket costing around US$1,000 (RM4,133), Yuvha said the experience itself is what matters most.
She said the opportunity to give her father a memorable birthday celebration made it worthwhile.
“For his 70th birthday, we felt the timing was right. He has always loved football and this is something he has wanted to do for a very long time.”
