Sindh Govt to stage SAF Football in a befitting manner
From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI—Sindh Government will stage the upcoming sixth South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship in a befitting manner in order to revive international sports in the metropolis.
“Its an honor that mega-event has been allocated to Sindh in Karachi and we would make it memorable,” Sindh Sports Minister Qamar Mansoor said at a joint news conference at Peoples Sports Complex. Balochistan Sports Minister Col (retd) Younus Changezi, DCO Fazal-ur-Rehman and Secretary Sports and Culture Mehtab Akber Rashidi were also present on the occasion.
Sindh Minister said 97 percent work at the stadium has been completed in collaboration with City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and it will be in top shape for December 7 to 17 competition.
Besides reigning champion Bangladesh, three time winner India, Ex-champion Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Afghanistan and host Pakistan will be featuring in the 15-day gala.
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan are drawn in pool “A” while holder Bangladesh India, Nepal and Bhutan are placed in pool “B”.
He said President Pervez Musharraf is very keen to promote and improve the standard of sports in the country and they are looking forward to implement his agenda and create the soft image of the country.
He complimented CDGK Works Department for their immense contribution in face lifting and improving the shape of the ground due to which SAFF decided to award the event to Karachi.
He said he was also planning to invite some more international teams to play in Pakistan.
Qamar Mansoor alleged that some officials of Pakistan Football Federation created a lot of hurdles in Karachi getting the championship. He said they will not take any dictation from PFF.
He said Sindh Governor Dr.Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan is the Patron Inchief of the organizing Committee while Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Faisal Saleh Hayat are Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee while Abbas Baloch will be the Organizing Secretary.
The Minister said Sindh is the main stakeholder in holding the event and wanted major organization share in hosting the championship. He said that the entry for the matches will be through ticket.
He said SAFF and Asian Football Confederation will be providing funds for staging the mega event and in case Sindh Government will cover the shortfall the budget is exceeded.
Balochistan Sports Minister and former Pakistan football Captain Younus Changezi assured all out help and assistance in successfully staging the SAFF contest and next year’s National Games which will be held in Karachi in March.
DCO Fazal-ur-Rehman said that Rs 7.5 million has already been spent on the upgradation of the stadium, face lifting, in creating new facilities, improving the main field and making the ground lush green.
He expressed the hope that Peoples Sports Complex will be in the best shape prior to the start of the championship.
Later Sports Minister and other officials inspected the newly raised facilities in various parts of the stadium.