Syed Mohsen Gilani, President of the Pakistan Football Federation, praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his strong backing of the sport and for championing talent hunt programs that are reaching young players across the country. Gilani said the armed forces are playing a decisive role in Pakistan football by discovering promising youngsters and helping shape the game’s future.
Gilani spoke during a meeting with Pakistan’s Under-16 national team, which is participating in the UEFA Development Tournament for the first time. He described Field Marshal Asim Munir as a sports-loving leader who has shown keen interest in youth development through sport and welcomed the exposure the tournament provides to emerging players.
The Director General of the Army Fitness and Sports Directorate has led the talent hunt initiative that the federation credits with identifying grassroots prospects. Gilani emphasized the federation’s responsibility to create pathways for those players and said the PFF will continue working with the Army to support Pakistan’s participation in major international events and advance Pakistan football at all levels.
Pakistan Under-16 coach Muhammad Essa described the UEFA appearance as “no less than a dream come true.” He added, “I represented Pakistan for 20 years but never got an opportunity to play in a UEFA event,” and noted that for the first time talented young Pakistani players are getting the chance to compete in a UEFA tournament.
Officials say tournaments like the UEFA Development Tournament serve as valuable learning platforms where young players can sharpen skills, gain international experience and return with lessons that will strengthen grassroots systems across Pakistan.
