Asem Mustafa Awan Islamabad: Australian Football League (AFL) Pakistan has much to celebrate, beyond the participation of eight teams in their national league. They have finally been awarded the No Objection Certificate, a document akin to reaching for the stars in Pakistan. AFL Pakistan stands out as one of the few sports bodies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), ensuring transparency in all their affairs. Despite challenges from quarters notorious for hindering progress, AFL Pakistan has remained steadfast in its commitment to bring honor to the nation. The success story of AFL Pakistan exemplifies how determination and dedication from players and management can turn the impossible into reality. With both men’s and women’s teams in place, the organization plans to conduct open trials for the national team following the national league. Two senior officials, President Sardar Tariq Mehmood Khan and Zulfiqar Chaudhery, deserve accolades for their tireless efforts. Despite countless and unimaginable odds, their perseverance has paid off, making AFL Pakistan the sole representative of the sport in the country. In a sports arena where Pakistan has struggled to leave a lasting impression for nearly two decades, AFL Pakistan’s beginners achieved remarkable success by winning the Asia Cup in Thailand last year. Even the women players, competing for the first time, showcased exceptional talent. With proper coaching and without interference in AFL Pakistan’s affairs, this sports body has the potential to soar to greater heights, unlike other sports organizations plagued by bureaucratic hurdles and parallel federations. While soccer, the nation’s favorite sport, grapples with internal strife among officials, AFL Pakistan stands as a beacon of hope. Free from the shackles of mismanagement, AFL Pakistan’s management, coaches, and players deserve commendation for their unwavering dedication to the sport and its athletes. The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues. Photo Credit: Amjab Abbasi Post Views: 1,818