Indian soccer succeeds— in France

Born in Mauritius to Indian parents, Dhorasoo — who follows in the footsteps of Fijian golfer Vijay Singh — is one of several footballers of Indian origin making their name in Europe (see story ‘Indians 1, Soccer 0’ in Section II). And offers hope, after the failure of Baichung Bhutia in England, that footballing genes do run in Indian blood.

Dhorasoo’s family, including his parents, brothers and a sister, still live in Mauritius, and there’s no longer any apparent direct link with India. But forget inviting him here for the big NRI/PIO bash: Dhorasoo can’t find time even to return to Mauritius. ‘‘Not even on holidays, because there’s too much taking up my time here in France,’’ he says.

Much of it has to do with good football. Rated the Best Player of Indian Origin in Europe by the India-watching website indianfootball.com, the 30-year-old’s playmaking skills have taken the club to new heights in recent times.

Indeed, Dhorasoo has been in the news practically throughout his playing career since winning the World Army Cup for France in 1995 and has been linked with transfers to top clubs Arsenal, Juventus and

Liverpool. He’s won 28 caps for the French under-21 and U-23 teams but a call-up to the senior national side — the one which won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later — never worked out.

Though Dhorasoo himself is unwilling to discuss it, the reason is clear: he plays in the same position as does Zinedine Zidane, the world’s best, and before him Didier Deschamps.

In cricketing terms, think Dilip Doshi and the Indian spin quartet.

What does the future hold? At 30, he’s reaching the end of his career but he has a practical viewpoint: ‘‘The only thing I know how to do is play, and play to the best of my ability. I know I can’t play this well all my life. So I want to do as much as I can now.’’

He’s certainly doing that, in large doses.