LAHORE-The Normalisation Committee (NC) of the Pakistan Soccer Federation (PFF), beneath the management of Haroon Malik, has orchestrated a sequence of accomplishments, setting the stage for a brighter way forward for soccer in Pakistan. The journey by way of 2023 has seen accomplishments for each the ladies’s and males’s nationwide groups, significant strides in youth development, and the initiation of essential reforms inside the footballing ecosystem.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ASCENDS NEW HEIGHTS
The Ladies’s soccer staff, captained by Maria Khan, embarked on a powerful journey, starting with a commentready displaying within the 4-Nation Match in Saudi Arabia. The staff completed as runners-up, capturing consideration with a viral free-kick by Captain Maria Khan. Moreover, their maiden participation within the Olympic Qualifiers marked a historic second for Pakistani ladies’s soccer. The dedication to gender equality was additional underscored when Haroon Malik introduced equal salaries for girls gamers, a groundbreaking transfer within the South Asian soccer panorama.
MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM RESURGENCE
Beneath the good teaching of Stephen Constantine, the Males’s Nationwide Group skilled a transformative interval. The staff overcame early challenges to safe a historic victory towards Cambodia, incomes a spot within the second spherical of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The appointment of Constantine led to a change in fortunes, instilling hope and a renewed sense of objective within the squad. Harun Hamid’s magic on the sphere additional solidified Pakistan’s ambitions to compete on the highest degree of international soccer.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT SCOUTING
Recognizing the significance of youth improvement, the PFF, beneath coach Sajjad Mehmood, witnessed commendable performances from the Beneath-16 and Beneath-19 groups in regional championships. The collaboration with Candlylands for nationwide expertise scouting initiatives showcased a dedication to figuring out and nurturing younger expertise throughout Pakistan. The Beneath-23 staff’s participation within the AFC U23 Cup marked one other milestone, contributing to a 12 months that noticed Pakistan play over 30 worldwide matches.
EXPANDING THE FOOTBALL ECOSYSTEM
The PFF efficiently hosted 4 Futsal Nationwide Cups throughout the nation, with plans in motion for the introduction of the celebrated All Pakistan Futsal Championship in 2024. Past competitions, the dedication to participant well-being was evident by way of medical workshops organized by the Chief Medical Officer. Referee refresher classes and specialised goalkeeping clinics additional illustrated a holistic strategy aimed toward elevating the requirements of soccer inside the nation.
PFF ELECTIONS: A TRANSPARENT PATH FORWARD
The election course of, a crucial step in making certain the democratic functioning of the PFF, has progressed considerably. With a complete examination of golf equipment throughout 78 areas and greater than 1200 matches performed, the method has intensified the aggressive spirit withwithin the soccer group. Having efficiently performed the Pakistan Soccer Referee Association Elections, the upcoming district soccer elections in late January 2024 promise to be a pivotal second. The transparent and participatory nature of those elections bodes effectively for the way forward for Pakistan Football, pointing in the direction of an period of better transparency, accountcapability, and excellence.
Highlighting the notable achievements of the PFF NC and the strides made in Pakistan football all through 2023, NC Member Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar expressed, “Beneath the astute management of Mr. Haroon Malik, this Normalization Committee propelled Pakistan soccer to unprecedented heights. A concerted effort was made to boost the amenities for each our males’s and ladies’s groups, translating into improved performances on the worldwide stage. Notably, ladies gamers have been granted equal salaries, and important participation in worldwide tournaments was facilitated. Simultaneously, the boys’s staff underwent sturdy strengthening, benefiting from enhanced amenities, incentives and training.”
Khokhar continued, “Our commitment prolonged past the current, as we actively scouted and nurtured recent expertise, injecting vitality into the groups. The continued election course of, a pivotal side of our mandate, has been approached with transparency, making certain equity within the forthcoming PFF elections. With these accomplishments beneath our belt, we eagerly anticipate the daybreak of 2024, pushed by the collective zeal to efficiently fulfill our mandate.”