Islamabad (TDI): The Vice President of International Football Association (FIFA), Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has arrived in Pakistan to discuss support for structural programs that can bring Pakistani young players on the world football map.
Al Khalifa is undertaking the three-day visit on the invitation of the Chairman of Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. PMYP is looking to collaborate with the Football Association to make “technical training centers, youth academies, and community-level football programs.”
An official statement from the PMYP said that the visiting vice president was received at the airport by the Focal Person of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Syeda Amnah Batool. Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsin Gillani and AFC Secretary-General Sonam Jigmi were also present to welcome the vice president.
“The visit marks an important step towards strengthening international collaboration in youth and sports development,” it read.
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Sports infrastructure development, promotion of football in the country, and capacity building of young players, are expected to be on top of the agenda of the talks with Al Khalifa. “The engagements aim to outline practical strategies to enhance the participation of young Pakistanis in international sports.”
A desire to expand collaboration with FIFA stems from PYMP’s focus on “providing modern facilities and professional platforms for youth engagement through sports.” Football is emerging as one of the most popular sports in the country; especially among young sports enthusiasts.
The country’s national football team has been participating in qualifier rounds to get a breakthrough on the international level, and has increased its participation in football events in the ongoing year.
Participation in regional tournaments is gradually preparing the team to play better. For its part, the PFF is forging partnerships with local and regional football associations to get the necessary exposure and coaching opportunities for the team.
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