Joyann joyous as Christmas arrives

Pakistan female football team player forwards happiness to everyone on the festive occasion

KARACHI: National footballer Joyann Geraldine Thomas will be one of the few minority athletes in the country who will be celebrating her Christmas at home, waiting for the next year to bring her more success in the field.

The 16-year-old became the first Christian female footballer to represent the country at the South Asian Football (Saff) Championship in November.

Joyann said that football is an essential part of her life, and this Christmas has been a special one for her.

“It’s incredible,” Joyann told The Express Tribune. “This year, all of my relatives and friends who were abroad came down to see me after they heard that I am representing the country in Saff, so yes, its something very special. They all came for me and told me that they are proud of me for representing Pakistan in the football field at Saff.”

Joyann said that the regular christmas celebrations include preparing traditional sweets and cakes at home, while she will be receiving messages from her football teammates throughout the day.

“It’s a festive time, and if I would get an opportunity to play football even for fun on christmas I would. I can only wish happiness to everyone right now, I know I’ll be continuing football and I have plans to become a Fifa referee in the future as well,” said Joyann.

She said that giving away sweets and gifts is also an essential part of Christmas, and everyone in her community will be doing so.

 

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