Women’s national football team captain Hajra Khan was impressed with the talent on show at the football clinic for girls yesterday. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ATHAR KHAN
KARACHI: School-going girls got a rare chance to enjoy their favourite sport in a football clinic yesterday at the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre in Karachi.
The event, organised by the US Consulate in collaboration with the Sindh Women Football Committee (SWFC) and the Karachi City Sports Association (KCSA), was attended by 60 girls from remote areas like Lyari, Korangi, Kharadar, Landhi and Malir.
It was the second of a three-part ‘sports diplomacy’ programme being hosted for the underprivileged children of Karachi. The first event was a cricket match between boys and girls held during Ramazan at the Beach Luxury Hotel.
“We believe that sport is a wholesome activity that benefits both boys and girls equally,” Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer Phillip Assis told The Express Tribune. “Events like these help bring both countries together on a neutral platform.
“We’re grateful to the KCSA and the SWFC for assisting us in contacting the relevant schools and for arranging to bring the girls here. Now we plan to organise a similar event for boys in November.”
The event started with a warm-up session in which the participants were divided into several teams where they were taught new strategies and techniques. Former footballers Sadia Sheikh and Siddique Sheikh presided over the practice while women’s national football team vice-captain Hajra Khan coached the girls.
“Girls here find it difficult to follow their passion for football due to security issues and lack of resources,” said Hajra. “This clinic is a blessing for them as it is a safe place. These girls are quite good; if they work hard and consistently, at least 10 of them can make it to the national team.”
There was a friendly match after the warm-up which was played between Team Red and Team Blue. Team Red won the match 1-0.
“I’m thankful to the consulate for giving us this opportunity,” said one of the participants, Sobia Mehfooz. “We spent a quality afternoon enjoying what we like best.”
US Consul General Michael Dodman, the chief guest, oversaw the prize-distribution ceremony where Kiran Yousuf of Team Red was adjudged the best player. “We are delighted to be here to introduce this group of enthusiastic young girls to football,” said Dodman.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2013.
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