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Islamabad, May 25: Thailand Embassy team recorded a 1-0 victory against their Nigerian counterparts in Pakistan in the final of Six-a-Side Leisure Leagues for Diplomats here at Jinnah Stadium.
Thailand Embassy fielded two teams in the exciting league – Thailand A and Thailand B and both teams qualified for semifinals. Thailand B defeated Thailand A by 2-0 score.
Nigerian Embassy team made it to the final after a tough battle with its Brazilian counterparts winning by 3-1 score on penalty kicks.
Eight teams, having representation of 12 nationalities namely hosts Pakistan, Spain, Italy, France, Brazil, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Russian, Qatar, Sudan, England and Thailand featured in the tournament.
The eight teams were Europe, Internationals, Brazil, Thailand A and B, Russia, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. The teams were divided into two groups. Top two teams from each group qualified for the semifinals.
Group A consisted of Thailand B (7 points), Brazil (4 points), Saudi Arabia (3 points) and Europe (1 point). Group B had Nigeria (7 Points), Thailand A (6 points), Russia (1 point) and Internationals (Pointless).
Ambassador of Greece, H.E Mr. Dimitris Hatzopoulos was the chief guest during the closing ceremony. He praised Mr Mehmood Trunkwala, Chairman World Group, for hosting the league for diplomats. He said that it has been a good initiative to bring officials of embassies together for healthy activities.
Meanwhile, he said one of the reason he attended the event was to invite Pakistan for International Socca Federation (ISF) World Cup, which his home country will host later this year from October 12 to 20 in Crete.
He said his country is ready to host the 32-team event in its second year running in a befitting manner.
Mr. Anas Mehmood Trunkwala, Mr. Mohammad Zabe Khan, Mr. Brig Nusrat Hayat Khan. Mr Bahrullah Hazarvi, Nigerian Ambassador H.E Maj. Gen Retired Ashomiyu Adebayo Olaniyi, Sardar Rafiq Ur Rehman Sanjrani Attorney in Law and Politician and Mr. Sheikh, Ex Vice President Islamabad and Deputy DG Sports Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan were also present on the occasion.
About Leisure Leagues:
Leisure Leagues, is a company of World Group, which is owned by The Trunkwala Family. It is the largest global organizer of 5, 6 and 7-a-side football events. Leisure Leagues has considerably large footprints, having organized leagues in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Leisure has also been operational in United States. Leisure Leagues set foot in Pakistan in 2016. Last year, Trunkwala Family brought former football super star Brazilian Ronaldinho and Friends – including former Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng, former French players Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka and Portuguese player Luis Boa Morte. Two high-voltage matches were played in Lahore and Karachi when foreign players of other sports including cricket were reluctant to visit Pakistan due to security apprehensions. Leisure Leagues is now organizing different small-sided football events throughout Pakistan in more than a dozen cities. Leisure Leagues is also organizing small-sided football events in schools and colleges as well. Leisure Leagues has also played an important role in establishing International Socca Federation (ISF) and also played an important part in organizing first ever ISF World Cup in Portugal. Leisure Leagues has also established Pakistan Socca Team, which has participated in ISF Socca World Cup and has won ‘Fair Play’ award.