PESHAWAR: The All Pakistan Inter-University Women’s Football Championship, organized by Islamia College Peshawar in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), commenced on Monday.The opening ceremony was graced by HEC Executive Director Prof. Dr Zia-ul-Haq as the chief guest.
Among those present were Director General Sports HEC Rizwan Shaukat, Assistant Director Sports HEC Muhammad Asif, noted poet Prof. Dr Abaseen Yousafzai, owner of Buraq Builders Ali Haider Babakhel, Director Sports of Islamia College Peshawar Ali Hoti, and others.
Teams from some of the country’s leading universities are participating in the championship, including Lahore College for Women University, Superior University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore, University of Lahore, Garrison University, Government College University Lahore, and the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq said that Islamia College Peshawar has always played a leading role in sports and has produced numerous distinguished athletes for the country. He welcomed all participating teams from across Pakistan and reiterated HEC’s commitment to promoting women’s football at the university level.
He announced that, in the context of upcoming FIFA competitions, a comprehensive talent-hunting programme would be launched to identify promising female footballers. Selected players will be awarded one-year scholarships to support their academic and athletic development.
In addition, specialized training programmes will be organized for coaches and managers in areas such as biomechanics, nutrition, sports injury management, sports psychology, and modern coaching techniques.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General Sports HEC Rizwan Shaukat said that players from various universities are thoroughly enjoying their stay in Peshawar and will take back fond memories of the city’s hospitality and sporting environment.
Prof. Dr. Abaseen Yousafzai said that Islamia College Peshawar continues to serve as an outstanding representative of the region’s academic, cultural, and sporting traditions.Director Sports Islamia College Peshawar Ali Hoti thanked the HEC, vice chancellors of participating universities, directors of sports, coaches, parents, and organizers for their support and cooperation.
He said that hosting the championship is a matter of pride for Islamia College Peshawar.Ali Hoti expressed special gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahmad-ur-Rehman Saljoqi, Chairman Peshawar Board Khuda Bakhsh, and Director Sports Manzar for their support in making the event possible.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, traditional turbans were presented to Executive Director Dr Zia-ul-Haq, former Administrator Anwar Hussain, Officer Afghan, and Dr Abaseen Yousafzai as a gesture of respect and appreciation.
Participants expressed hope that the championship would not only contribute significantly to the promotion of women’s football in Pakistan but also help discover and nurture emerging talent at the national level.
