Before his illness, Akshay reportedly dreamed of becoming a footballer and followed Brazil with complete devotion. Now, relatives and volunteers are trying to reconnect him with the team that has been part of his life for so long.
A local club is expected to organise the screening close to his home, while supporters are also attempting to arrange a television so he can watch Brazil’s matches from home. After the team’s opening draw with Morocco, the next fixture has become a family milestone rather than simply another World Cup game.
For Akshay, the familiar colours, the crowd and the anticipation may offer a bridge to memories that have been difficult to reach.
The report says Akshay’s recovery has been slow, with his eyes often providing the clearest sign of awareness. His mother, Jaya, described the family’s uncertainty in striking terms: “Se alguém nos visita, ele fecha os olhos. Só os abre depois que a pessoa vai embora”.
Relatives also reportedly saw him smile for the first time in four years. That moment has given the family fresh hope, even as they continue to manage the long-term effects of the stroke.
The account of his illness is closely tied to Brazil. The report says his stroke was discovered after he failed to return home from a public screening following the team’s elimination, leaving friends and relatives initially unsure whether he was simply processing the defeat.
When Brazil face Haiti, the score will still matter to supporters around the world. In Kerala, though, the most important result may be whether Akshay makes that journey and feels, even briefly, like the football fan he was before.