PAF manager hails successful Peace Cup

Pakistan’s departmental football team wins inaugural edition of event.

KARACHI:

PAF manager Arshad Khan termed the inaugural Fata International Peace Cup as a remarkable success for the local football, praising the audience turnout despite the volatile law-and-order situation in the region.

Arshad’s team won the title after defeating Afghan Chaman FC 1-0 in the final at the Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar late Sunday.

PAF remained undefeated in the tournament as they outclassed Afghanistan 3-0, Fata 2-0 and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) 2-0 on their way to the final.

The aim of the tournament was to promote peace through football and improve the image of Pakistan’s northwest region.

“It’s amazing that football managed to attract people to the event despite a bomb blast near a mosque just before the tournament was scheduled to begin,” Khan told The Express Tribune.

“There was fear and concerns, but this tournament brought together the Pakistan Football Federation, PAF management, Pakistan Police and the sports ministry of the province at the same platform to ensure security and good facilities for the event.”

The official added that the importance of the tournament will have long-term benefits, saying that the Afghanistan team’s participation should encourage other countries to visit Pakistan as well.

He further said that Afghan Chaman FC even fielded guest players like KRL captain Kamran Khan, while Wapda and NBP players also showed up to play for different teams.

“KRL, Wapda and NBP players competing as guests in the tournament shows the respect and passion that the participants have for football,” said Khan.

Meanwhile, Arshad stated that the PAF team have also shortlisted talented players from Fata and K-P, who will get a chance to represent the department in the Pakistan Premier Football League next season.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2014.

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