‘It was a dream come true’: Kaleemullah Khan talks football in Pakistan
'An international player such as Ronaldinho coming to Pakistan is definitely big,” says Kaleemullah
July 09, 2017
KARACHI: Pakistanis are still in an excited state following the thrilling football match Ronaldinho and Friends gave them late Saturday night. Not only was it a way out of the persistent stress we live in but it is hoped to pave way for professional football to gain popularity in the country.
Speaking exclusively to Geo.tv after the match, Pakistan football captain Kaleemullah Khan commended the effort and said that the joy was palpable. “It felt very nice to play on the ground with international football stars,” he stated.
It was a chance that Pakistanis have never had, he said, adding how it is a special moment for the nation, a milestone of sorts. “Considering football history over the past few years, an international player such as Ronaldinho coming to Pakistan is definitely big!”
“I never thought that a time would come when he would visit our country, let alone play opposite him on the field,” Khan commented, explaining how in his childhood, he used to watch football legends like Ronaldinho on the television only.
Such events are crucial for bolstering the burgeoning, untapped talent in our country, the ‘Pakistani Messi’ stressed, since that it was a major confidence boost for young, aspiring players who want to play football in future.
“The initiative of Leisure League in Pakistan is the stepping stone to building a proper, structured platform for football in the country – especially for would-be footballers,” Khan highlighted. If it continues this way, he went on to say, “we will have more global stars coming here in future and that would be great!”
Khan also talked about Pakistan Football Federation, saying events like these could become more common if the relevant authorities take an encouraging step forward. “They saw today how this sport can be promoted here, develop it into something regular,” and progress in our international rankings, he mentioned.
It is also a great way out for Pakistanis to enjoy themselves, and thus, a win-win situation.
With football grounds being constructed around Pakistan, one hopes that the sport will make a proper comeback and offer an alternative to a country where cricket rules the sporting landscape.
