Pakistan Prelate Urges Fair Play as 10 Parish Teams Meet in Quetta for Football Tournament

Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Vicar Apostolic of Quetta, has urged Catholic youth to practice fair play, mutual respect and leadership both on and off the football field as 10 parish teams competed in the Diocesan Football Tournament 2026 in southwestern Pakistan.

Organized by the Diocesan Youth Commission of the Apostolic Vicariate of Quetta, the tournament was held on September 26 at the Don Bosco Learning Centre in Quetta, bringing together young players from parishes across Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land area.

Archbishop Shaw, who attended the tournament as chief guest, commended the organizers and encouraged the young players to see sports not only as competition but also as an opportunity to develop character and strengthen relationships.

He said sports can help young people develop discipline, moral values and a spirit of peaceful coexistence. He also encouraged the youth to remain committed to their spiritual growth and to contribute to their communities through positive initiatives.

Priests, catechists and local sports supporters joined the young players at the tournament, which aimed to promote teamwork, sportsmanship and youth leadership while providing Catholic youth with a constructive setting to develop their talents.

The tournament was organized under the supervision of Fr. Samson Shaker, director of the Diocesan Youth Commission, in coordination with the Tournament Committee. Fr. Shaker said sports gatherings provide opportunities for inter-parish interaction and leadership development while helping young people channel their energy into constructive activities.

Rohail Arsalan, coordinator of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Quetta Vicariate, said the tournament was intended to go beyond sporting competition by bringing young people from different parishes together.

“Our mission is to empower young people as active ambassadors of peace, faith, and unity in Balochistan,” Arsalan said. He added that bringing youth together through sports could help strengthen friendship, leadership and the missionary spirit among Catholic young people.

After the tournament rounds, St. Anthony’s Church, Pishin FC won the championship, defeating St. Mary’s Mariyam Colony FC 4-2 in the final.

The captain of the winning team thanked the organizers and dedicated the victory to the parish community, attributing the team’s success to regular training and mutual trust among the players.

The captain of St. Mary’s Mariyam Colony FC congratulated the winners and said the tournament strengthened friendship and unity among young people from different parishes regardless of the result.

Fr. Samuel Adnan, rector of Don Bosco Learning Centre, presented trophies and medals to the champions, runners-up and outstanding individual performers. Match officials, volunteer coordinators and the Don Bosco administration were also recognized for their contribution to the event.

The tournament concluded with a collective prayer. The Diocesan Youth Commission said it plans to continue expanding sports and leadership initiatives for young people across Balochistan under the motto, “Unity in Faith, Strength in Teamwork.”