The JinnahInternationalAirport in Karachi was abuzz with sounds of drums as fervent fans welcomed the young footballers home on their return from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil after putting up a good show at the Street Child World Cup (SCWC) 2014.
Enthusiastic crowds received the bronze medalist heroes of the Street Child World Cup (SCWC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with drumbeat and flower petals as the youngsters landed at Karachi airport, a private news channel reported on Tuesday.
For their reception, not only their families were present but also ministers, representatives and workers of political parties as well as sports and football organisations.
People also danced at the airport to the thuds of the drums to welcome the young heroes home.
The nine-member squad for Pakistan had a glorious run in the seven-a-side tournament before a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of Burundi in the semifinal. However, Karachi boys Samir Ahmed, Abdul Raziq, Aurangzeb Baba, Salman Hussain, Owais Ali, Faizan Fayyaz, Mohammad Shoaib, Mehr Ali, Rajab Ali and their coach Abdul Rashid won accolades for Pakistan in the tournament, which was organized before the Football World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this year.
For security reasons, the airport administration used the domestic gate instead of the international one for the children to leave the airport to avoid any untoward situation.
APPRECIATION:
Sindh Culture Minister Sharmila Farooqi, Social Welfare Provincial Minister Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MPA Khawaja Izharul Hassan were also present to welcome the young guns and highly appreciated the efforts of these children.
The team began its campaign with a bang, defeating arch-rivals and defending champions India 13-0, Kenya 2-0 and Mauritius 3-0 to top Group Three. Later they won the quarter-final against Philippines 3-2 on penalty-kicks.