A Remarkable Journey of Pakistan Football in 2023

Web Desk

The year 2023 has been something special for Pakistan’s football scene. Haroon Malik, the leader of the Normalisation Committee chosen by FIFA, has been doing a great job managing everything, from day-to-day operations to important elections. This year has brought big wins and milestones for both the Women’s football team and the Men’s National Team.

Cheers for the Women’s Team
The Women’s Football Team kicked off their fantastic journey in January with a 4-Nation tournament in Saudi Arabia. Led by Captain Maria Khan, they ended up as runners-up, creating a buzz with a memorable free-kick that went viral. Making history, they took part in the Olympic Qualifiers for the first time. In another tournament in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan scored a big win against Laos, even though Laos was way higher in rankings. A great move for the women’s team was when Haroon Malik, the head of PFF NC, announced equal pay for women players, a positive step forward.

Men’s Team’s Turnaround
The early months of 2023 were tough for the Men’s Football Team with several defeats. But then came the game-changer: Stephen Constantine. Under his guidance, the team transformed, and at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, they secured a historic 1-0 victory against Cambodia, thanks to Harun Hamid’s magic. This win not only brought joy but also earned Pakistan a spot in the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, a first-ever achievement. What was once a doubtful journey now looks promising as Pakistan aims for success in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches.

Youth Teams Shining Bright
Recognizing the impor bytance of youth, Coach Sajjad Mehmood led the Under-16 Team to two wins in the SAFF U16 Championship. Candlylands and PFF joined forces for talent scouting across Pakistan. The Under-19 team showcased brilliance in the SAFF U19 Championship, even though they missed the top spot. The U23 team, though without a victory in the AFC U23 Cup, played a significant role in marking a milestone of over 30 international matches for Pakistan Football in a single year.

Futsal Fun and Medical Know-How
Pakistan Football hosted four successful Futsal National Cups in different cities, and there are plans for an All Pakistan Futsal Championship in 2024. Putting player well-being first, the PFF Chief Medical Officer organized medical workshops, helping doctors understand better medical practices during games.

Referees and Goalkeeping Skills
Improving the football system, ongoing referee refresher sessions are in place. The Women’s Team Goalkeeping Coach is also working on a specialized Goalkeeping Clinic, contributing to better goalkeeping skills. All these efforts show how Pakistan Football is taking a comprehensive approach to raise the sport’s standards in the country.

Election Buzz
The election process for PFF is in a crucial stage, examining clubs in 78 regions with over 1200 matches played. The Pakistan Football Referee Association Elections have already happened, and district football elections are set for late January 2024. These elections, transparent and inclusive, promise a brighter future for Pakistan Football.

As 2023 comes to an end, the story of Pakistan Football is a tale of victories, progress, and inclusivity. The year has set the stage for a promising future, where football in Pakistan is not just a game but a journey of unity and excellence.

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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