Pakistani Netball Team Composed Exclusively of UK-based Players Competing in Significant Tournaments
The British-Pakistani netball squad, formed entirely of UK-based players, is making their international debut at the 2025 Asian Youth Netball Championship in Jeonju, South Korea. This marks a significant milestone for the team and a chance to represent their roots on a continental stage.
As the first major tournament for this team, they're eager to perform well, but more importantly, inspire other British Asian and Muslim girls to pick up a netball and join them on the court.
Last year, many of the team's players had their dreams of competing crushed due to visa troubles during the Asian Netball Championship in Bengaluru, India. But this time round, there are no visa issues to worry about.
The team's resolve and determination to excel have only been strengthened by the challenges they've faced. Captain Sumayya Safdar expresses the team's disappointment at missing out on the 2023 tournament but acknowledges it's given them extra months to train and prepare.
The team benefits from the expert coaching of Amanda Newton, a former England captain who has several titles and medals under her belt. With players hailing from cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Scotland, they only gather for a full team training session every three weeks.
But the commitment and team spirit among the girls is tremendous, boosted by playing alongside girls who share similar faiths, backgrounds, and dreams.
For girls considering joining netball despite cultural and societal barriers, the Pakistan Netball Academy UK, co-founded by Sadia Hussain, offers encouragement, support, and advice to help them get started in the sport they love.
This unique team offers a beacon of hope for greater diversity and inclusion in netball and the inspiration for future generations of British Asian and Muslim girls to chase their dreams. The 2025 Asian Youth Netball Championship stretches from 27 June to 4 July in Jeonju, South Korea. So, prepare for some unforgettable matches, brought to you by an inspiring team!
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[Sources: 1. BBC, 2. The Guardian, 3. Deccan Herald]
- Despite their passion for netball, some challenges have prevented the team from participating in sports events, such as the visa troubles they faced during the Asian Netball Championship in Bengaluru, India, last year.
- With their international debut at the 2025 Asian Youth Netball Championship, the British-Pakistani netball squad aims to inspire other girls, not only to pick up a netball but also to consider football, especially those from British Asian and Muslim communities, and to chase their dreams in sports, just like they are doing.
