AFL Tournament Sparks Islamabad Independence Celebrations

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Australian Football League (AFL) Pakistan marked Independence Day with a vibrant and spirited tournament at the Sports Complex in Islamabad, celebrating the nation’s freedom while showcasing the growing popularity of Australian football in Pakistan.

The event was graced by the presence of Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins and his wife, who were warmly introduced to the participating teams before the commencement of the matches.

Chaudhary Zulfiqar, the Secretary General of AFL Pakistan, highlighted the organization’s remarkable progress over the years. He expressed pride in the strides made by the league, both in terms of national development and international recognition.

The Independence Day tournament was the culmination of the AFL Pakistan league, with final matches played on this significant day, symbolizing both sporting excellence and national pride.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Neil Hawkins expressed his admiration for the teams, particularly the women’s squad, noting that it was his first time witnessing AFL Pakistan in action, though he had long followed their progress.

He shared his discussions with the Thai ambassador about future opportunities for the team to play in Thailand, emphasizing his support for the sport’s development in Pakistan.

The High Commissioner and his wife took special interest in the women’s team, captained by Farzana Batool, even taking selfies with the players to commemorate the occasion.

The tournament concluded with Pakistan White emerging victorious over Pakistan Green in the women’s category, while Boom Boom Swabi clinched the top spot in the men’s competition. Chaudhary Zulfiqar expressed his elation over the teams’ performances and the overall success of the event.

He noted that the matches played were part of the league’s ongoing efforts to elevate the standard of Australian football in Pakistan, with eight teams competing in the men’s category and six in the women’s.

Looking ahead, final trials will be held to select the squad for the Asia Cup scheduled in Vietnam later this year.

AFL Pakistan is also eyeing participation in the International Australian Football League Cup 2024, a goal that seems increasingly within reach given the country’s growing talent pool.

Michael Gallus, who has coached the national team, believes that with dedication and hard work, Pakistan has a genuine chance to clinch the trophy.

Although Gallus was unable to join the team due to his commitments as a school principal in Australia, his guidance and advice continue to benefit both the men’s and women’s teams.

As the Head Coach overseeing the AFL Pakistan program, Gallus expressed his excitement about the future of the sport in Pakistan. He congratulated AFL Pakistan President Sardar Tariq, General Secretary Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali, the coaches, and players for their efforts in creating what he described as a historic moment in the development of AFL in Pakistan.

The successful celebration of Independence Day through this tournament not only underscored the potential of Pakistani athletes but also highlighted the increasing global footprint of AFL Pakistan.

Photo Credit:Rizwan Khan

Asem Mustafa Awan has extensive reporting experience with leading national and international media organizations. He has also contributed to reference books such as the Alpine Journal and the American Alpine Journal, among other international publications.