Saudi Embassy B victorious in first-ever diplomatic football league

Embassies of 18 countries participate in unique tournament

KARACHI: Saudi Embassy dominated the first Leisure Leagues Diplomatic League in Pakistan as they took first and second positions while the Ambassador of Denmark, H E Rolf, lauded the initiative.

The league took place in Islamabad last week and Saudi Embassy B claimed the title in the first-ever season of the league, with Saudi Embassy A finishing second.

Safih Suhi of Saudi Embassy B was declared the Player of the Season while Russian diplomat Alexeiy Prebilskiy and German Diplomat Stefaan shared the Best Goalkeeper award.

Japanese Embassy was given the Fair Play Award after showing great sportsman spirit throughout the league.



The embassies of 18 countries — including Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and France — participated in the league which promises to be an even bigger success in the future. Ambassadors, diplomats, heads of various multi-national companies and celebrities participated in the event.

Ambassador of Denmark, HE Rolf Holmboe, commended the steps taken by World Group to bring about a positive social change in Pakistan through football.

“In Pakistan, there’s a lot of talent and it’s all about making full use of such potential. Through Leisure Leagues, Pakistan has great hope of becoming a footballing power in the coming years,” he said. “The diplomatic league was an amazing experience for everyone involved and I’m looking forward to another great season in the near future.”

Thanking the various diplomatic missions participating in the league for playing a crucial role in helping with the Trunkwala Family’s mission to revive football in Pakistan, the Chairman World Group, Mehmood Trunkwala said: “Truly, football is a universal game and brings people closer. The diplomatic league has shown us that football is the right tool to bring people closer and we will continue working on such initiatives to present a soft and beautiful image of Pakistan to the world.”