(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Lyari Girls Make History With Training Opportunity at PSG Academy
Five young footballers from Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood have taken an important step in their sporting journey after being selected to train at the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy in Qatar through an initiative organised by the Kiran Foundation.
The players — Syeda Umme Zunaira Shah, Muqaddas Abdul Rasheed, Saiqa Faisal, Javeria Ejaz, and Marium Zehri — were chosen after competitive trials based on skill, discipline, and potential.
From local streets to international training grounds
Lyari is widely known for its deep-rooted football culture, where the sport has traditionally been dominated by boys. The selected group of girls, however, is part of a growing shift that is opening new opportunities for female athletes in the community.
For many of the players, football began in local neighbourhood streets and informal matches before developing into structured training through the Kiran Foundation programme.
One of the players, Syeda Umme Zunaira Shah, said her journey started at a young age and was inspired by watching local street football. She noted that while interest in the sport was strong, social challenges often made it difficult for girls to pursue it professionally.
Training experience in Qatar
During their training stint at the PSG Academy, the players experienced professional coaching environments, structured drills, and advanced tactical sessions.
Players said the exposure highlighted differences between local training conditions and international football standards, particularly in areas such as fitness, game awareness, and discipline.
According to the athletes, the experience helped them better understand the physical and mental demands of modern football.
Role of Kiran Foundation
The opportunity was facilitated by the Kiran Foundation, an organisation focused on education and youth development in underprivileged communities.
Representatives from the foundation said sports programmes like this are designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and new opportunities for young people.
Officials added that such international exposure can encourage more girls to participate in sports and challenge traditional barriers.
Challenges for women’s football in Pakistan
Despite the progress, women’s football in Pakistan continues to face challenges, including limited infrastructure, fewer training facilities, and lack of consistent competitive opportunities.
Coaches involved in the programme say that while talent is present at the grassroots level, long-term development requires better facilities, regular competitions, and increased investment in women’s sports.
A new path forward
Family members of the players expressed both pride and cautious optimism, noting that opportunities like this can help change perceptions about girls in sports.
For the young footballers, the experience in Qatar is seen as a starting point rather than a final achievement, with many aiming to continue their development and pursue further opportunities in football.
The journey of these players highlights the growing participation of girls in sports in Lyari and reflects a gradual shift toward broader inclusion in athletics.
