PETALING JAYA: There will be no family feast, festive lights or cuddles with his pet dog Bheema for A. Selvan (pic) this Deepavali.
The Selangor winger has traded them for something he believes is brighter – a Malaysia call-up.
The 26-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, was named in interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s squad for the friendlies against China on Nov 14 and Yemen on Nov 17.
Both matches will be played at the Zhaoqing New District Sports Centre Stadium in Guangdong, China.
The call-up means Selvan will miss the festivities with his family in Port Dickson, where he is the youngest of five siblings.
“Missing the festivities will be tough but professional commitments and national duties are part and parcel of a footballer’s life,” said the mercurial winger.
“After my national team duties, I can still celebrate Deepavali with my loved ones back home.
“For sure, it is an honour. When I saw the list, I was delighted and immediately told myself it was okay to miss Deepavali for this.
“I guess that is my form of light, knowing that you are growing and will become better.”
His family, he said, understood the sacrifice and were delighted by his inclusion.
“For sure, I will miss my siblings, parents, other loved ones and especially my pet dog, Bheema,” he said.
“But they understand this is how my career will be.
“When they found out about the call-up, they were elated.
“I guess that is my ang pow for them,” he joked.
Selvan’s inclusion has also been welcomed by fans who appreciate his industry on the flanks.
His record of one goal and one assist in 11 matches across all competitions may not look particularly impressive, but his contribution to Selangor’s overall play goes beyond the numbers.
Selvan said his approach was simple.
“Stay calm, follow instructions and give my all on the pitch,” he said.
It was not always that way.
“As a youngster, I was always active, wanting to be with friends and watch my favourite movies, especially those of actor Vijay, who is now the Tamil Nadu chief minister,” he recalled.
“Football, though, gave me some grounding and I am who I am today because of the game.
“For it to give back by getting me to a reputable club and now the national team, I have to be grateful.
“But I also know this is not the end. I just have to keep going and do my best for the teams I am part of.
“I am grateful to God and also to those who have supported me since young.
“Donning the national colours would be a great honour and I hope to stamp my name during these friendlies against China and Yemen.”
Before turning his attention to the national team, Selvan has a more immediate task – helping Selangor secure a place in the FA Cup final when they face Kuching City in the semi-final second leg at the State Stadium tomorrow, which falls on Deepavali.
The Red Giants hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg.
“The game against Kuching City will not be easy. Coach (Kim Pan-gon) demands a high work rate and intensity, and we will continue giving that for him,” he said.
“We also have to remind ourselves not to switch off in the final minutes.
“Our style demands a lot, but the rewards will be there, so we want to keep at it.
“As a winger, I know I have to beat defenders with my pace and turns, but I will also track back to help my defenders and ensure the home side do not create clear-cut chances.
“It will be physically daunting, but I am up for it.”
