Iranian DG Cultural Centre visits Football House Lahore [The Nation]

Iranian DG Cultural Centre visits Football House Lahore [The Nation]

Mr. Jafar Ronas, Director General & Cultural Attach’e, Cultural Centre, Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lahore visited Football House here on Thursday where he met with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Elite Futsal Instructor Nasser Saleh, member Normalisation Committee Shahid Niaz Khokhar and Director Pakistan Futsal Muhammad Raza Fazli. Other PFF officials were also present at the occasion.

The matters pertaining to mutual interest and the promotion of football in Pakistan were discussed. The meeting stressed that efforts should be made to strengthen people-to-people, particularly the academic relations between both countries. It was also discussed that joint events should also be conducted.

Sharing his views, Jafar Ronas said: “It’s a pleasure meeting with the Pakistan Football Federation family and I am thankful for the great hospitality. I am glad that Mr. Nasser Saleh from Iran is here to conduct the futsal level-I course and I hope his teaching will profoundly affect Pakistan Futsal. I am willing to support PFF whenever it is needed.”

AFC Elite Futsal Instructor Nasser Saleh said: “Pakistan has immense talent in Futsal and the participants of the futsal level-1 course have the potential to learn new things and implement them in their respective areas. Futsal in Pakistan can be up if particular measures have been taken by their government. At least, the national team must have its own Futsal Ground which will not only develop an interest in other players but insists international teams visit Pakistan for Futsal matches.”

Member Normalisation Committee Shahid Niaz Khokhar highlighted the historic and longstanding ties between the two countries and expressed PFF’s desire to further develop this relationship on the basis of mutual respect. “We also want to see Irani athletes in the field of sports in Pakistan,” he added.

In the end, presents were exchanged between the Pakistan Football Federation and the visiting dignitary.

Published in The Nation, 24 November 2022