Story: Tayyab Chattha, President Pakistan AFL
A great year for AFL in Pakistan, now closing in on 500 players in the Junior, Mens and Women divisions around the country!
The 1st Pakistan National Aussie Rules Championship was held on 27-28 September 2016 played in Jinnah Stadium ,Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad.Where 10 TEAMS participated from all over PAKISTAN.
Grand Final match played between the Islamabad Tigers and Rawalpindi Loins. The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan was chief guest and we were pleased to see other Ambassadors of Tajikistan, Portugal, Russia, Brazil, Oman and other diplomats where present.
Kashif Bouns, formerly AFL’s Lead of MultiCultural Programs, now General Manager Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, represented the AFL in Australia and did an excellent job of commentary on the match.
The Grand Final Match was telecast live on Pakistan National Sports TV around the world on 28th Oct 2016!
The Islamabad Tigers starred on their first outing showing fabulous clean ball skills, gut running and determination to overcome the Rawalpindi Lions. Despite the hot weather the boys ran out the game well and before an enthusiastic crowd gaining the admiration of many locals and expats. Jurek Juszczyk the Acting Australian High Commissioner (a Saints fan) has supported the efforts in developing organized sports for Pakistani youth and marveled at the skills the boys showed on their first official outing National championship. The Islamabad Tigers won the closely fought encounter by a 20-25 points.
The Pakistan Football League, under the administration of President Mr Tayyab Chatta, “I would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers from around Pakistan that have made this event possible…We are now looking forward to the 2017 season, especially the IC17 in Melbourne in August 2017”
Report from: Tayyab Chattha
Edited: AFL Asia
