It was clear from the first day of the Gilgit-Baltistan Girls Football League (GBGFL) tournament last October that the players had improved markedly. After a hiatus of one year, due to Covid-19, the GBGFL returned to the mountains with renewed fervour.
They had used the past year well to practise and hone their skills. With the support of their parents and coaches, they had come with fighting spirit and focus. The tournament was hosted by the Passu Youth and Sports Organisation, at the scenic venue of the Surunabod Football Ground in Passu Valley, Gojal.
A total of eight teams participated, with 112 players. The teams consisted of Chipurson, Passu, Shishkat, Hunza, Morrkhun, Ghulkin, Shimshal and Khyber.
The GBGFL tournament has produced brilliant players such as the Shimshali Ronaldo, Ambreena, with her agile goal scoring, and Marvi Baig, who showcased brilliant dribbling skills in the 2018 tournament. These players have gone on to avail scholarships and study at some of the best universities of Pakistan. Every GBGFL tournament is carefully designed to catapult their footballers to the forefront of the sports world. The players get an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of the entire country, and this exposure leads to wider recognition.
Marvi Baig was introduced to GBGFL through Gulmit Young Star Club, for which she played for three years. Baig started playing football when she was only seven years old. She was encouraged by one of her brothers who also played football. The game was such a source of inspiration for her that she chose to turn her passion into her career. She says she has discovered and developed her own athletic skills throughout her playing years.
Participating in the GBGFL tournament helped Baig gain more experience at the regional level. She went on to play league matches and achieved career milestones with her outstanding performance. She says everyone at GBGFL not only encouraged her, but also sparked her ambition for a football career.