PESHAWAR: In a significant and encouraging move aimed at promoting football and reviving the sport’s declining activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it has been decided to organize a mega football event in Peshawar under the title of the Governor Challenge Cup. The formation of an organizing committee and the announcement of the tournament’s final dates are expected soon, after which formal preparations will begin.
The decision was taken during an important meeting held in honor of former international football players, which witnessed the participation of a large number of ex-national footballers and prominent figures associated with the sport. The meeting was chaired by former talented footballer and international referee Qazi Muhammad Asif.
Former national team captain Shaukat Mufti, along with Muhammad Arshad, Tauqeer Abbas, Abdul Ghafoor Ajiz, Malik Hidayat-ul-Haq, Shahid Shinwari, and representatives of district associations including Hussain Ahmed (Chitral Football Association) and Ataullah Khan (Mardan Football Association), as well as football personalities from Mardan and other districts of the province, attended the meeting and held detailed discussions on the current state of football in the region.
Addressing the gathering, speakers expressed deep concern over the unfortunate decline of football in Peshawar and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They recalled that there was a time when club football in Peshawar and across the province was highly active, with regular tournaments producing talented players. However, the current situation stands in stark contrast to those vibrant days.
Participants also regretted the lack of proper public football grounds in a major city like Peshawar, where players can freely practice or tournaments can be organized. They pointed out that even where facilities exist, the collection of fees by the Sports Department has become a major hurdle in the promotion of sports.
The meeting emphasized that former footballers, coaches, and organizers must step forward collectively to reorganize football activities and provide young, talented players with opportunities to showcase their skills.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was unanimously decided that the Governor Challenge Cup Football Tournament will be organized in Peshawar, featuring teams from all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A strong organizing committee will be formed to ensure transparency, discipline, and success of the event, while the final dates will be announced shortly.
The participants expressed optimism that the Governor Challenge Cup will prove to be a milestone in the revival of football in the province, boost the morale of young players, and pave the way for the return of football’s golden era in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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