Out of millions of children playing on the streets these were selected to show what talent Pakistan has. The whole country had considered them useless and ignored their talent, only few recognized that they processed real unmatched talent. The credit goes to the ‘Aazad Foundation’, the organization provided a platform to these street children to showcase their talent and now they are the heroes of the ‘Street Children World Cup 2014’. Pakistani team had 9 players in total, 8 were from Karachi and 1 was from Quetta. This wonderful organization gave them a warm welcomed and helped show their talent to the world and the street children made history!
The 1st ‘Street Children World Cup’ was held in South Africa but unfortunately Pakistan didn’t participate, but this time Pakistan Team, not only participated, but also ruled the world. The event started on March 28 in Brazil, 19 other teams, from around the world, participated in the ‘Street Children Football Cup’. It was expected that our team would be tough but that it would emerge as the toughest came as a surprise for many.
In a round match, Pakistan Team defeated the defending champion, India with an extraordinary performance and won the match by 13-1. Pakistan Team gave their best every time and was successful in reaching the semi-finals. The semi-final was played by Pakistan Team and Team Burundi, but this time Pakistan Team didn’t make it to the finals. But all the other teams and the football lovers appreciated the performance of Pakistan Team.
Pakistan had to face America for the 3rd position, it was a very crucial moment for the team and all the fans witnessed a fantastic match between Pakistan and America. The most important thing was that in these hard times these brave and valiant Street Children brought a happy smile to all our faces. It is hoped that our government and the concerned authorities would encourage them and help them to become part of the respected society and should provide them and others with incentives to become proud and hard working sportsman and athletes.
RIZWAN HASSAN MUSTAFA,
Karachi, April 13.