Karachi: Pakistan International Veterans claimed victory over Lyari Veterans in a thrilling final of the Second Veterans Football Tournament, organized under the auspices of the Karachi Veterans Football Association. The match, held at KPT Football Stadium, ended with a 2-4 win in favor of Pakistan International Veterans after a dramatic penalty shootout.
The final, which saw intense competition between the two teams, remained scoreless in the first half. The deadlock was broken in the 59th minute of second half when Muhammad Khan of Lyari Veterans scored, giving his team a 1-0 lead. However, Abdul Ghafoor of Pakistan International Veterans responded quickly, equalizing just two minutes later. With the score tied at 1-1, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout where Pakistan International Veterans emerged victorious, winning 2-4.
Abdul Ghafoor was named Man of the Tournament, while Naseer from Lyari Veterans was honored as the Man of the Match.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Haji Azam Khan, the newly elected President of the Sindh Football Association, who awarded trophies to both the winning and runner-up teams. Major (R) Mahmood Riaz, KPT Manager Sports, served as the guest of honor, with other prominent attendees including Senior Vice President of the Sindh Football Association Haji Jalal Khan Afridi, Mir Ali Bihar, Inspector Shahid Siddiqui, and former international footballer Zafar Iqbal.
Haji Azam Khan emphasized the importance of such tournaments in fostering football at the grassroots level, expressing his hopes for continued efforts to promote the sport in the region. The tournament featured 10 teams and was supervised by Master Nazir Ahmed, with referees Ustad Dal Murad, Nazar Shabab, Abdul Qayyum, and Muhammad Ali Shaka.
The event was a great success, highlighting the passion for football in Karachi and the commitment of the organizers, including Yusuf Khan, Ashley Jani Dean, and Siddiq Patni, to promoting the sport among veterans.
