Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The 10th season of the Diplomatic Football League (DFL) was inaugurated at Mövenpick Hotel Islamabad, bringing together around 25 diplomatic teams representing more than 35 nationalities in a celebration of sports diplomacy, international friendship and cultural exchange.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar and President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Muhammad Zikria Akbar Zia attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guests, which was also attended by ambassadors, diplomats and prominent business personalities.
Among the distinguished guests were Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues, Spanish Ambassador Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, Cuban Ambassador Damián Cordero Torres, Mövenpick Hotel General Manager Nicolas Verdun and Royal Business Solution CEO Adeel Riaz.
Speaking at the ceremony, DFL Founder and Organizer Mubasher Sanjrani said the league had emerged as one of the most anticipated sporting events among the diplomatic community, providing a unique platform for people from different countries to interact and build lasting friendships.
He said the landmark 10th season featured approximately 25 diplomatic teams, with around 360 players representing more than 35 nationalities.
Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar appreciated the organizers for promoting sports diplomacy and said such initiatives played an important role in bringing nations closer through mutual understanding, cultural exchange and friendly competition.
He emphasized that sporting activities provided an effective platform for strengthening international relations and promoting a positive image of Pakistan.
The three-month tournament will be played exclusively on weekends, offering members of the diplomatic community an opportunity to showcase their football skills while fostering teamwork, sportsmanship and cross-cultural connections.
The league is supported by Royal Business Solution (RBS), Mövenpick Hotel, Ahan Travels and Tours, MUBA, Comet Sports, B2C and CSA.
