KARACHI: Karachi Royals emerged triumphant in a seven-a-side mixed inter-district football tournament which saw under-16 girls and under-13 boys playing together in the same team for the first time.

A 1-0 win against Khairpur Knights in Mirpurkhas was enough for Karachi Royals to clinch the title in the tournament which was held by Thar Foundation in collaboration with Diya Women’s FC.

The earlier rounds of the eight-team tournament were played in Thar Block II, marking the first time children from Thar were playing together in one team against mixed teams from Sindh.

“Breaking the gender barrier became the natural cause of this tournament where boys and girls can play together as one team,” Naseer Memon, who heads the Thar Foundation, said.

“We are focused on pushing quality education and gender empowerment for the children of Thar. And by creating such opportunities for the children of Thar, we enable them to freely express their passion through extra-curricular activities as well.”

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2021