BAJAUR: A weeklong Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peace Football tournament kicked off here on Tuesday.

A total of 16 teams from across the merged districts, Swat and Chitral are participating in the tournament organised collectively by the Frontier Corps, Bajaur Scouts, the district administration and local branch of the provincial sports department.

Deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan and Commandant Bajaur Scouts Brig Saad Mehmood inaugurated the event.

The opening ceremony of the tournament was held at Bajaur Sports Complex, which was attended by elders, youth, football fans and students of public and private schools.

A number of officials of the district administration, sports department and police, including additional deputy commissioner (F&P), Khar subdivision, assistant commissioner Dr Sadiq Ali and district sports officer Taj Mohammad Wazir were also in attendance.

Pigeons were also released during the colourful opening ceremony of the event.

The participants were informed that 16 teams from all the tribal districts, Frontier Regions, Swat and Chitral districts were taking part in the tournament aimed to engage youth in healthy and positive activities and to polish their hidden talents.

The participants were informed that it was the first such football tournament in the district’s history, representing 16 best teams of the region.

Addressing the ceremony, DC Shahid Ali and Brig Saad Mehmood described the event significant for the promotion of peace and normalcy in the region alongside exploring the talent of players. They said that such events were vital to promote positive and healthy thoughts among the youth.

Both the officials suggested arranging such events in future to promote sports in the region.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024