Thailand Embassy wins Leisure Leagues for Diplomats (2019) title
Thailand Embassy team recorded a 1-0 victory against their Nigerian counterparts in Pakistan in the final of Six-a-Side Leisure Leagues for Diplomats (2019) held at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad.
Thailand Embassy fielded two teams in the exciting league – Thailand A and Thailand B and both teams qualified for semifinals. Thailand B defeated Thailand A by 2-0 score-line. While the Nigerian Embassy team made it to the final after a tough battle with its Brazilian counterparts winning by 3-1 score on penalty kicks.
Eight teams, having representation of 12 nationalities namely: hosts, Pakistan, Spain, Italy, France, Brazil, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Russian, Qatar, Sudan, England and Thailand featured in this mega tournament and the eight teams were Europe, Internationals, Brazil, Thailand A and B, Russia, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. These mentioned teams were divided into two groups, top two teams from each group qualified for the semifinals.
Group A consisted of Thailand B (7 points), Brazil (4 points), Saudi Arabia (3 points) and Europe (1 point) whereas the Group B had Nigeria (7 Points), Thailand A (6 points), Russia (1 point) and Internationals (Pointless).
Ambassador of Greece, H.E Mr. Dimitris Hatzopoulos was the chief guest on the closing ceremony and he praised Mr Mehmood Trunkwala, Chairman World Group, for hosting the league for diplomats. He said that it has been a good initiative to bring officials of embassies together for healthy activities.
Meanwhile, he said one of the reason he attended the event was to invite Pakistan for International Socca Federation (ISF) World Cup, which his home country will host later this year from October 12 to 20 in Crete, Greece. He also said his country is ready to host the 32-team event in its second year running in a befitting manner.
Mr. Anas Mehmood Trunkwala, Mr. Mohammad Zabe Khan, Mr. Brig Nusrat Hayat Khan. Mr Bahrullah Hazarvi, Nigerian Ambassador H.E Maj. Gen Retired Ashomiyu Adebayo Olaniyi, Sardar Rafiq Ur Rehman Sanjrani Attorney in Law and Politician and Mr. Sheikh, Ex Vice President Islamabad and Deputy DG Sports, Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan were also present on the occasion.
