It’s imperative that companies in Pakistan, be they SME’s, MNC’s or blue-chip companies, do their part to engage in much-needed CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the country. Often times there has been much neglect for the talent that we boast, be it in technology, sports, academics, etc.
That’s where Ailaaj capitalized on the efforts of their co-founder, Bilal Mumtaz, for promoting and developing football in the region of Chitral over the past 10 years.
From the 19th of November to the 21st of November, 2021, Ailaaj organized the First “Nadeem Ahmed Mumtaz Memorial Football Championship” to commemorate the best-performing football clubs in the region. Though the District Football Association of Chitral has not existed for more than 30 years as an entity, there has been a wave of football grounds being established for their respective clubs. Approximately 80 clubs exist in the region alone now, with tournaments happening regularly. However, the majority of these tournaments receive little to no funding, and neither proper referees, marking, or other provisions are given to formalize these tournaments.
6 teams took part in the tournament, of which five were previous winners of the District Football Championships over the years, while one was a wildcard entry as the host (Broze FC)
- Moghol 11 FC
- Falcon FC
- HQ Jughoor FC
- Ayun FC
- Broze FC
- Danin FC
Many distinguished personalities from Chitral attended, which included Hussain Ahmed, the patron of the DFA Chitral, Mohsin Lal, the Upper Chitral Football Association President, former Member District Council, PPP General Secretary Chitral Qazi Faisal, and SHO Ayun Abrar Ahmed for the final match.
Broze, dubbed as the underdogs, displayed their class as they boasted a few Pakistan National team players including Izhar Laal and Zia Us Salam. They beat the favorites, HQ Jughoor – Chitral’s most successful club historically – on penalties in the semifinal, and also beat Danin FC in the final on penalties.
This marks the first-ever “Super Cup” of Chitrali football clubs, as the first “Super Cup” of Chitrali youth futsal clubs was also organized earlier this year by Ailaaj. Bilal Mumtaz was appointed team owner of the DFA Chitral team a few months ago, which is currently participating in the Ufone KPK Tournament.
