ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, July 22, 2025 (WNP): Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu on Tuesday announced that Turkiye is stepping up efforts to support youth sports in Pakistan starting with the Street Child Football Team in a heartening show of solidarity and sports diplomacy.

Speaking at a sports kit handover ceremony titled ‘Empowering Street Children through Sports and Solidarity’, organized by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) here at a local hotel, the ambassador praised the deep-rooted friendship between the Turkish and Pakistani people, noting, “We love each other deeply – only difference is, Turks love football while Pakistanis live for cricket. But we are closing that gap soon – Turkiye is building its own cricket team, and you’ll soon see matches between our national teams.”

The event, organized in collaboration with Muslim Hands Pakistan, saw sports equipment handed over to the team ahead of their upcoming global matches. The Turkish envoy recalled a recent meeting in Sialkot with Muslim Hands Executive Director Syed Javed Gillani, where joint efforts to uplift street children through football were discussed.

“These children are the future of Pakistan,” said Dr. Neziroglu, expressing confidence that the players would represent Pakistan in regional and international football arenas within the next decade. He further revealed that plans are underway to organize a football competition for the team in Turkiye.

Dr. Neziroglu also commended the role of TIKA, which has implemented over 700 developmental projects in Pakistan since 2010, including last week’s plantation of 253 saplings in Islamabad’s Fatima Jinnah Park. He assured continued Turkish support, adding, “You dream it – Pak-Turkish cooperation will turn it into reality.”

TIKA Pakistan Coordinator, Saliha Tuna extended her appreciation to Muslim Hands for their ‘Sports for Development’ initiative, emphasizing that the sponsorship goes beyond athletics.

“This support is not merely for a sports activity – it represents a commitment to hope, a brighter future, and equal opportunities for children,” she remarked.

Tuna expressed TIKA’s pride in backing the Pakistan Street Children Football Team on their journey to the Norway Cup 2025 and wished the young athletes great success.

Meanwhile, Syed Javed Gillani announced that the Street Child Football Team, playing under the name Muslim Hands FC, will participate in the Norway Cup 2025 – the world’s largest youth football tournament – scheduled in Oslo from July 26 to August 2. With over 2,000 teams from more than 30 countries, the event marks a golden opportunity for Pakistan’s youth to shine, he added.

He informed that the team comprises children who received formal training under the ‘Maidaan’ initiative of Muslim Hands, for empowering marginalized youth through football, education, and personality development.

Having earned global recognition, Gillani said the team previously secured a silver medal in 2023 and a 4th position in 2024. Currently training at Islamabad Sports Complex, the squad is determined to elevate Pakistan’s flag once again on the international stage.

In another first, he said the team will also embark on a historic UK tour following the Norway Cup, where it will face Premier League youth teams, attend exclusive training sessions, and gain hands-on international football experience at academy level. He expressed hope that this breakthrough opportunity is expected to open doors for the team’s rising stars and portray a peaceful, positive image of Pakistan globally.

This initiative is jointly supported by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and Muslim Hands, with rigorous talent hunts and training camps conducted across all provinces to ensure nationwide representation.

As Pakistan and Turkiye continue to nurture ties beyond politics and trade, the focus on youth empowerment through sports is fast emerging as a new symbol of brotherhood and hope.

Representing the team, young footballer Ubaidullah shared that he and his fellow players were chosen from among thousands of aspiring athletes through a rigorous selection process and feel honored to represent Pakistan at the Norway Cup 2025. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Muslim Hands and TIKA for their unwavering support.

The professional-grade sportswear and equipment provided by TIKA will serve as the official kit for the Pakistan Street Children Football Team during the tournament. Featuring TIKA’s official logo, the gear will visibly reflect Turkiye’s solidarity with the team on the international stage.