Islamabad :- With a dash of colour and intense action, Pakistan Football Federation marked the AFC Women’s Football Day on International Women’s Day with the ‘Women in Play: Ramzan Football Festival’ at Jinnah Stadium.
A non-competitive five-a-side tournament was organised to promote visibility and inspire more girls and women to choose football with a reminder that PFF’s commitment to the women’s game extends beyond this day, aimed at increasing participation in the sport year-round.
A total of five clubs — Legacy, Strikers, Smurfs, Highlanders, Infinite — took part in the celebration of women’s empowerment with Shanzeh Khan of Legacy being named best player, Asra of Strikers finishing as top-scorer and Aleena Bilal of Smurfs Jr bagging the best goalkeeper award.
The event saw a number of current and former players in attendance with a message resonating that women will continue to play a major role in defining the future of football in the country.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani: “As we celebrate the continued growth of women’s football and women in football in the country, the PFF reaffirms its commitment to continue working on increasing participation of women in the sport.
“This year marks the historic participation of any Pakistan team in a FIFA event and it will be the women’s national team that will take the first step when it competes in the FIFA Series in Côte d’Ivoire next month.
“The PFF continues to explore further opportunities for its women’s teams as well as building an ecosystem that ensures women’s football flourishes in the country.”
PFF Director Women’s Football Mejzgaan Orakzai: “As a former Pakistan national team player myself, my foremost mission is to work on increasing the contribution of women in football, both on and off the pitch.
“With women embracing key roles in the world game, I strongly feel Pakistan should not be left behind. As we mark the AFC Women’s Football Day, I pledge to create more inclusive environments that ensure women continue to shape the future of football in Pakistan.”
