PESHAWAR: The All-Pakistan Inter-University Women's Football Championship kicked off at the historic Islamia College Peshawar on Monday, bringing together teams from across the country in a major boost for women's football.

Organized by Islamia College Peshawar in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the tournament features some of Pakistan's leading university teams, including Lahore College for Women University, Superior University, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, the University of Management and Technology Lahore, the University of Lahore, Garrison University, Government College University Lahore, and the University of the Punjab.

HEC Executive Director Dr Zia-ul-Haq attended the opening ceremony as chief guest. Also present were HEC Director General Sports Rizwan Shaukat, Assistant Director Sports Muhammad Asif, noted poet and writer Prof Dr Abaseen Yousafzai, and Islamia College Peshawar Director Sports Ali Hoti.

The championship comes at a time of growing interest in women's football in Pakistan, with the FIFA World Cup underway in North America and the Pakistan women's national team having made its historic FIFA-recognised international debut earlier this year.

For many participants, the tournament offers an important platform to progress from university-level competition to the international stage.

"I have been participating in this competition for five years, and I have seen tremendous improvement. Girls are moving forward," said Aina Mirza of the University of Lahore.

She expressed hope that Pakistan's women's team would continue its rise and compete regularly at the international level.

Maria Ghazanfar of the University of Management and Technology said such competitions are vital for identifying and developing talent.

"Our youth are talented and energetic. They just need opportunities," she said. "If Pakistan can manufacture footballs for the FIFA World Cup, our players can also compete in it."

The event is also helping reshape perceptions of Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with visiting players praising the city's welcoming atmosphere and hospitality.

Organizers said hosting athletes from across the country demonstrates that Peshawar is increasingly becoming a venue for national sporting events and youth engagement.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Zia-ul-Haq reaffirmed HEC's commitment to promoting sports among students, describing athletics as an important tool for improving physical and mental well-being.

He also announced a nationwide talent identification program for future FIFA competitions, saying outstanding players would receive HEC scholarships and advanced coaching.

"We will provide selected players with one-year scholarships and further develop their abilities to help them compete at the international level," he said.

The championship is expected to provide young female footballers with greater exposure while strengthening the growth of women's football in Pakistan.

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