Karachi: Promoting Women’s Football in Pakistan: Kayanat Bokhari Takes Center Stage
Kayanat Bokhari, a talented attacking midfielder for DSVP’s top women’s team in the Netherlands, has returned to her roots by joining the Pakistan women’s football camp in Karachi. Her deep passion for the sport and desire to showcase Pakistan’s potential in women’s football prompted her decision.
After overcoming documentation hurdles that previously delayed her debut, Bokhari is now ready to represent her country of origin and collaborate with her new teammates.
In a recent interview with Geo, Bokhari expressed her excitement about joining the team and getting to know her remarkable comrades. She emphasized the positive energy within the team and praised the experienced coaches, highlighting the collective ambition to secure victories and succeed in tournaments.
Bokhari’s personal goal extends beyond individual growth as a player. She aims to represent her country, honor her parents, achieve personal accomplishments, and demonstrate the immense potential of Pakistani football. She firmly believes that by working together as a team, Pakistan can elevate its status and showcase its growth in the sport.
While acknowledging the vast disparity in grassroots football between the Netherlands and Pakistan, Bokhari stated that the players in the Pakistan camp are eager to learn from her, just as she is eager to learn from them. The technical aspects of the game are where she believes the most significant differences lie. However, Bokhari is optimistic about the reciprocal learning process, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge and skills between herself and her teammates.
In contrast to the Netherlands, where numerous football clubs are readily accessible, Bokhari observed a scarcity of such opportunities in Pakistan. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful that the future will witness the emergence of more women’s football clubs, enhanced facilities, and a greater number of qualified coaches. Bokhari sees the current team as a shining example and a catalyst for positive change in the country’s football landscape.
Being of Pakistani descent, Bokhari takes immense pride in representing the home country of her parents. Her ultimate aim is to make Pakistan proud through her performances on the football field.
Bokhari’s inclusion in the Pakistan team comes at a time when the issue of diaspora players’ involvement in the country’s football setup, both men’s and women’s, is being debated. However, she firmly believes that within the team, no such distinctions exist. The sense of unity and camaraderie among players, regardless of their background, is palpable. The team warmly embraces diaspora players and those with Pakistani origins, fostering an environment where no one feels excluded.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Football Federation has initiated discussions with Singapore to organize international friendly matches during the FIFA window. After unsuccessful negotiations with Mauritius and Kyrgyzstan, the focus has shifted to exploring opportunities with Singapore.
By joining the Pakistan women’s football camp, Kayanat Bokhari brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Her commitment to the sport, combined with the collective dedication of her teammates, holds the promise of a bright future for women’s football in Pakistan. With continued support and development, the nation’s football landscape is poised to flourish, inspiring the next generation of talented players and leaving a lasting legacy.
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