TİKA Supports “Pakistan Street Children’s Football Team” on Their Journey to the Norway Cup

A launch event organized by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) was held in Islamabad to mark its sponsorship support for the Pakistan Street Children’s Football Team. During the event, the professional sports equipment and gear provided for the team’s participation in the 2025 Norway Cup were officially unveiled.

The event was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Islamabad, Mr. İrfan Neziroğlu; TİKA’s Coordinator in Pakistan, Saliha Tuna; Executive Director of project partner Muslim Hands, Javed Gillani; team members; and numerous Turkish and Pakistani guests.

In his remarks, Ambassador Neziroğlu expressed his gratitude to TİKA and Muslim Hands for this meaningful collaboration. He noted that the achievements of the Pakistan Street Children’s Football Team had transformed what was once a dream into a tangible success. Highlighting the Turkish-Pakistani relations, Ambassador Neziroğlu emphasized that TİKA has become a symbol of this enduring friendship, having implemented nearly 700 development cooperation projects in Pakistan over the past 15 years.

TİKA’s Coordinator in Pakistan, Saliha Tuna, thanked the project partner, Muslim Hands, for its “Sports for Development” approach, stating, “This sponsorship is not just about supporting a sports activity, it’s about supporting hope for a better future and equal opportunities for children.” Tuna expressed her pride in accompanying the team on their journey to the Norway Cup and wished them success.

Muslim Hands Executive Director Javed Gillani noted that their organization has been working for many years to rehabilitate and reintegrate street children into society. He emphasized that TİKA’s support goes beyond sponsorship, serving as a powerful message of solidarity from Türkiye.

Speaking on behalf of the team, young player Ubeydullah shared that he and his teammates were selected from among thousands of youth from across Pakistan through a challenging selection process. He expressed pride in representing his country in Norway and thanked both Muslim Hands and TİKA for their support.

The professional sportswear and equipment provided by TİKA will serve as the official uniforms and gear for the Pakistan Street Children’s Football Team during the 2025 Norway Cup.