Pakistan, Bangladesh seek closer football ties through sports diplomacy

Pakistan and Bangladesh are exploring new avenues to strengthen football ties, promote sports diplomacy and create greater opportunities

By Muhammad Waqas

LAHORE: Pakistan and Bangladesh are exploring new avenues to strengthen football ties, promote sports diplomacy and create greater opportunities for young talent, reflecting a shared commitment to cooperation and football development in South Asia.

A meeting between Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan provided an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen football relations and explore avenues for future cooperation between the two countries.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said football has the power to bring nations closer, unite young people and build lasting friendships beyond borders. He said closer engagement between the football communities of Pakistan and Bangladesh could create new opportunities for youth development, exchange of expertise, friendly matches and the promotion of football at grassroots and professional levels.

“Football offers a powerful platform to bring people and nations closer. Pakistan is keen to strengthen its football ties with Bangladesh and explore opportunities that can benefit players, coaches and young talent in both countries,” Mohsen Gilani said.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan also highlighted the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering friendship and understanding between nations.

“Sports provide a unique opportunity to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote goodwill between countries. Football, with its immense popularity among young people, can play an important role in bringing Pakistan and Bangladesh closer,” the High Commissioner said.