Sindh's Chief Minister praises young football players from Lyari for winning the Norway Cup 2025
Pakistan's Better Future Shines Bright at Norway Cup 2025
A youth football team from Pakistan, Better Future Pakistan, has made history by winning the Norway Cup 2025 in the Boys Under-15 category. Hailing from the vibrant football culture of Lyari, Karachi, this team's victory is a significant milestone in Pakistani football's grassroots development.
The team played a total of nine matches during the tournament, remaining undefeated throughout. In the final, they triumphed over Norwegian club Gjovik-Lyn FK with a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals by Ahmed Ali and Owais. The team's disciplined and sportsmanlike conduct earned them the Best Fair Play Team award, with 16 Fair Play Green Cards.
The victory is a source of national pride, according to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who congratulated Better Future Pakistan on their success. He termed the win a moment of pride for the whole country, highlighting the potential of young Pakistani players emerging from grassroots environments like Lyari.
The Norway Cup, the world's largest annual international youth football tournament held in Oslo, Norway, featured over 2,000 teams from 58 countries. Better Future Pakistan's participation was supported by local community organizers, volunteers, and sponsors, as part of a broader youth engagement initiative using sport as a tool for social uplift in Lyari.
The team's victory is being hailed as a milestone achievement for Lyari, known as the hub of football in Pakistan. The jubilant celebrations went viral on social media, with the team waving Pakistani flags after the final whistle. The victory signifies a significant achievement for the country's grassroots sports development and is a testament to the resilience and teamwork displayed by the young footballers.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah vowed continued support for youth sports initiatives in underserved communities, hoping that Better Future Pakistan's success will inspire more investment and interest in grassroots development across the country. This accomplishment contributes positively to Pakistan's football narrative, demonstrating real progress at the youth level and offering hope for a brighter future for Pakistani football.
In the U-15 final, Better Future Pakistan defeated Danish club KFUM Oslo by 2-1. The team received their gold medals on the podium, marking the culmination of their historic journey. As they return home, they carry with them not only the gold medals but also the hope and inspiration they have ignited in the hearts of millions of Pakistani football fans.
References:
[1] Better Future Pakistan Wins Norway Cup 2025. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/sport/183446-better-future-pakistan-wins-norway-cup-2025
[2] Pakistan's Better Future Wins Norway Cup 2025. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.geo.tv/latest/397654-pakistans-better-future-wins-norway-cup-2025
[3] Lyari's Better Future Shines at Norway Cup 2025. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1635619
[4] Better Future Pakistan: A Beacon of Hope for Pakistani Football. (2025, August 2). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sports/football/58798434
- The gold medals earned by Better Future Pakistan in the U-15 final of the Norway Cup 2025 could potentially secure key funding and sponsorships through organizations like the Individual Retirement Account (IRA), capitalizing on their success to further develop grassroots football in Pakistan.
- As a result of their remarkable performance, Better Future Pakistan's football analysis has gained recognition from prominent sports-analysis agencies worldwide, positioning them as a promising team that could lead Pakistan's sports industry towards a brilliant future.
- To celebrate the team's substantial victory, members of Better Future Pakistan decided to invest their winnings in local sports infrastructure and coaching programs in Lyari, contributing to a long-term vision of developing grassroots sports and enhancing football opportunities for future generations.
