Staff Correspondent
DROSH: The sixth season of the Chitral Football League (CFL) concluded in spectacular fashion at Colonel Murad Football Stadium in Drosh with Jang Bazar Football Club Chitral emerging as champions after defeating Pakistan Navy in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Organised by Ideal Football Club Drosh with the support and patronage of Chitral Scouts 143 Wing, the national-level football event brought together prominent teams, talented players and football officials from different parts of Pakistan, generating tremendous excitement among football enthusiasts throughout the tournament.
The final between Jang Bazar FC and Pakistan Navy proved to be a highly competitive and thrilling encounter. Neither side was able to secure a decisive advantage during regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Jang Bazar FC held its nerve in the decisive phase and secured victory to lift the CFL Season 6 trophy.
The final attracted thousands of football fans from different parts of Chitral. With the stadium filled beyond capacity, many spectators watched the match from nearby rooftops and surrounding areas. The massive turnout and enthusiastic response from the crowd added to the festive atmosphere and reflected the growing popularity of football in the region.
The presence of renowned and highly talented players on both sides further enhanced the quality and competitiveness of the final. The match remained the centre of attention among football lovers, with the crowd passionately supporting their respective teams throughout the contest.
Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Abbas and Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Wasim, commanders of Chitral Scouts 143 Wing, were the chief guests at the final. Among the distinguished guests were Colonel (Retd.) Mujahidullah Tareen, former Director Technical of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF); Mohsin Chaudhry, member of the PFF Executive Committee; Malik Liaqat, President of the Mini Football Federation; renowned political and social figure Qari Jamal Abdul Nasir; and Prince Hisham-ul-Mulk, along with other notable personalities.
At the conclusion of the event, the chief guests distributed trophies, cash prizes and individual awards among the winning and runner-up teams and outstanding performers of the tournament.
Qadeer, a Pakistan Army player, finished the tournament as the top scorer with eight goals and was also named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding overall performance.
Mohsin, goalkeeper of Pakistan Navy, was awarded the Best Goalkeeper title, while Umar Javed Sadozai of Jang Bazar FC was named Man of the Match for his impressive performance in the final.
The CFL management awarded the champions, Jang Bazar FC, a prestigious trophy along with a cash prize of Rs300,000, while the runners-up, Pakistan Navy, received a cash prize of Rs100,000.
CFL Season 6 stood out as one of the region’s major football events, featuring prominent football teams, players and officials from different parts of the country. The overwhelming response from spectators throughout the tournament further established the Chitral Football League as an important platform for competitive football and youth engagement.
The successful conclusion of Season 6 reaffirmed the vision of Ideal Football Club Drosh and its supporters to promote football as a means of providing young people with positive opportunities, developing local talent and creating pathways for talented players to compete at national level, while also placing Chitral more prominently on Pakistan’s sporting map.
CFL Founder Honoured for Successful Organisation
In recognition of the successful organisation of the event, PFF Executive Committee member Mohsin Chaudhry presented a special gift to Kamal Abdul Jamil, founder and chief organiser of the Chitral Football League, acknowledging the efforts behind the successful staging of CFL Season 6.
With its electrifying final, massive public participation and strong representation from teams and players from across Pakistan, CFL Season 6 concluded on a high note, further strengthening Chitral’s reputation as an emerging hub for football and sports tourism in the country.