Written by: Shakeel-ur-Rehman
AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 trip was not just a coverage of a sports event, but an opportunity to capture those priceless moments of life that always remain bright on the horizon of memories. Before leaving for Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, circumstances suddenly took a turn. Due to tensions and war between Israel, America and Iran, our flight via Doha, Qatar was canceled, but the courage and passion remained. Finally, on March 2, 2026, we started the journey with new hope. The most beautiful thing about this journey was the friendship of my close companion Asif Shahzad. We left Islamabad via Hong Kong for Sydney and set foot in this city of dreams, Sydney, at 11 am on March 3. Despite the long journey, the excitement of seeing a new world was evident on our faces.
Sydney, first glimpse, first impression. The warm welcome with which Asif Dar, a long-time colleague, welcomed us upon arriving in Sydney, will always be remembered. Our relationship with Asif Dar is thirty years old. In 2000, we both had visited India for twenty days under the banner of the Pak India People’s Forum, which was quite memorable. The sincerity of our companions in this visit is still present in our hearts. Regarding the 26-year-old visit to India, Asif Dar also mentioned the incidents of how we reached Delhi by Attari train. Then from there, we went to Bangalore, Mysore, Goa, Bombay, which is now known as Mumbai, then reached Delhi via Ahmedabad and before coming to Pakistan, we visited the historic Taj Mahal and Akbar’s palace in Agra. From Sydney Airport, we came to Auburn where Asif Dar had not only made the best arrangements for our accommodation but also provided every possible facility, setting a high example of hospitality. Due to the holy month of Ramadan, every need was taken care of, from food and drinks in the room. Their love and sincerity made this trip even more memorable. If there was any one who was the brightest and most touching personality of the trip, it was Asif Dar. His love, sincerity and selfless hospitality in the foreign land made this trip not only easy but also unforgettable. The way he welcomed us was not just a formal welcome but an expression of heartfelt acceptance. From accommodation to food, every small and big need was taken care of with such meticulousness that there was no sense of alienation. The way he made complete arrangements for Sehr and Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan was a clear proof of his thoughtfulness, love and respect for the guest. Asif Dar’s greatest quality is his trust and openness. Even giving a bank card is not just a convenience, but a sign that he holds his guest close to his heart. But more than that, his humility and modesty is what makes a person great. He is one of those people who erases distances, who makes even a foreign country feel like home. There is that light of sincerity in his personality that not only wins hearts but also always lives in memories. It would not be wrong to say that if this trip becomes memorable, it is due to Asif Dar’s love, attention and unparalleled hospitality. Such people are truly the capital of any society. The next day, Asif Dar also gave train cards. Asif Shahzad and Shahzeb attended the iftar hosted by Asif Dar and after the iftar, both of them went to Shahzeb’s residence and I came to my room. Asif Dar also gave me a phone with a SIM card so that I could stay in touch while going out. Asif Dar went home where he lives with his wife, two sons and a daughter. The next day, Asif Shahzad contacted him to reach the Olympic Park Stadium to get his accreditation card. Both met there and received their cards from the media center. The special thing about the cards was that our transport train and bus facilities were provided free of charge. The opening ceremony was also held in the same Olympic Stadium. A record number of spectators came for the opening match. Which presented a different view. Located in the Ac cor Stadium Sydney Olympic Park, this stadium is not just a concrete structure but a living metaphor for world history. The echoes of the 2000 Olympics can still be heard in its atmosphere. With a capacity of about 82,000 spectators, this stadium is a masterpiece of modern architecture. I heard the stories of the 2000 Olympics from my long-time colleague Amjad Aziz Malik, who went to Sydney in 2000 to cover these games. And I did coverage for my organization from the same Sydney Olympic Park.
As the crowd gathered for the opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, it felt like an ocean of emotions was surging. Every chant, every clap told a new story. Sitting here and watching the game was like living history. All the AFC matches played in Sydney were covered by the Daily Criterion, along with the Daily Times and The Province at Sydney Stadium Parramatta and Olympic Park Stadium, and all three newspapers gave prominent coverage to the matches of the Asia Cup 2026, for which I am very grateful to my long-time colleagues Amjad Aziz Malik and Fazal e Haq.
Australian Pashtun Association: The fragrance of our soil abroad
A day after Eid, the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration organized by the Australian Pashtun Association in Greenville was presenting a memorable cultural scene. For which I was specially invited by Shazeb Khan. Traditional clothes, fragrant dishes, musical melodies and the chirping of children, every scene was heart-touching. Here, I also met the special person, short-statured actor Arshad Khan. The traditional dance (Atan) filled the air. The enthusiasm of the youth to the beat of the drums was palpable. This event was not just a festival but a beautiful effort to keep our identity alive, where the fragrance of the homeland was felt even in a foreign land.
A living metaphor for memories Sydney Cricket Ground
As soon as we entered the Sydney Cricket Ground, it felt as if the history of cricket was breathing. Those memories of the 1980s came back when we used to hear the name of this ground on the radio and today it was a dream come true to be present at this historic place. Sydney Cricket Ground is one of the oldest and most historic cricket grounds in the world, with a history of about 150 years. This ground has been famous not only for cricket but also for other sports and cultural activities. Early history Sydney Cricket Ground was founded around 1848, when British soldiers cleared the place and started using it for playing cricket. In 1851, Colonel Henry Bloomfield turned this land into a regular cricket ground. Permission was obtained to use the ground, and thus the site was converted into a permanent sports ground. Regular cricket began at the Sydney Cricket Ground When the British army returned in the 1870, control of the ground passed to local authorities. In 1875, it was taken over by the New South Wales Cricket Association, and the first official match was played here in 1877. Test cricket began at the ground in 1882, and more than 100 Test matches have been played here to date. The ground is particularly famous for the New Year Test every January.
The Three Sisters, a silent story of nature
The Blue Mountains are a masterpiece where nature is revealed in all its glory. These three towering rocks are not just a sight but a story that has been attracting tourists for centuries. The Three Sisters were formed about 200 to 250 million years ago, when the entire area was under the sea. Over time, marine sand and mud accumulated Sandstones formed, then over millions of years, wind, rain and rivers carved these rocks into these unique three-pillared formations. The three rocks are almost 900 meters high and stand above the Jamieson Valley.Wollongong, the coastal city of tranquility
For the trip to Wollongong, Jahanzeb Siddique came specially from Lotus Street Timura and took me and Asif Shahzad on a tour of Wollongong, which is located about two and a half hours from Sydney. The beautiful combination of sea and mountain in Wollongong takes a person to a new world. The quiet atmosphere here, the waves of the beach and the setting sun create a magical atmosphere.
Kiama, an amazing manifestation of nature Kiama Blowhole
Kiama is a miracle of nature that amazes the visitors. When the waves of the sea hit the rocks and rise, it seems as if the water is talking to the sky. The crossroads of Blacktown and Auburn cultures Auburn and Blacktown are areas where different cultures breathe together. The presence of Pakistani, Afghan and other communities here presents a beautiful harmony. The splendor of the markets and the aroma of the food give the heart a sense of belonging. A complete story, a treasure trove of memories. This trip proved to be a beautiful blend of sports, culture, nature and friendship. The lights of Sydney, the buzz of Sydney Olympic Park, the aroma of cultural events and the charming views of nature are all now part of the priceless treasures of life. This trip also taught a lesson: Go to any corner of the world, the real beauty is not in the places but in the people, cultures and memories.
