Pakistani women's services for football recognised with international awards

In an encouraging development in the field of sports, World School Summit has recognised the services of Pakistani women in the promotion of women's football in the country.

Pakistan's Sadia Sheikh and Naila Sheikh were bestowed with awards in a ceremony held in Dubai to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in football and highlight their contributions to the sport.

During the event, Sadia — the founder of Diya Football Club — was honoured with the "Visionary Leader Award" for her relentless efforts to promote women's football and develop grassroots programmes that had inspired countless young girls to participate in sport.

In addition to this accolade, she was awarded an honorary PhD from the University of Maryland for her research and outstanding contributions to women's sports development.

Expressing her gratitude on the occasion, Sadia said that the awards were not just personal achievements but a source of pride for the country.

Noting that football is a beloved sport among women and youth as it is watched by millions in competitions spanning throughout the years, she underscored the growing interest in the game in Pakistan.

Naila's efforts were also recognised for her unwavering commitment to guiding the next generation of female footballers and she was conferred with the "Inspirational Leadership Award" for her dedication to promoting women's football.

The event marks a pivotal moment for women's sports in Pakistan, showcasing the efforts and successes of female athletes and leaders in the field.