Just like other sports in Pakistan, football is an also popular spot in Pakistan. However, for past many years, this sport didn’t get as much recognition from the authorities as it could be to get. There is also a governing body titled Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) that has also affiliation with FIFA and AFC but still the culture of football is in developing period in the country.
Men always succeed in getting the opportunity as compared to the women. And when it is about underdeveloped areas then chances of opportunities for women even decreased more. Syeda Mahpara Shahid is such a female athlete who with her firm dedication gets the position of goalkeeper for Pakistan National Women Football Team. She has represented the Balochistan United in the National Football Championship at the domestic level competition. But her dream is to create the history on an international level in the world of football that is currently dominated by the men.
Her inspirations in football are Hope Solo and Cristiano Ronaldo but when it comes about post fellow then she like more Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. For her goal defending skills and tactics, she is known as “The Wall” in her team. The Same title was associated with Indian batsman Rahul Dravid. Mahpara feels proud on this title as she thinks it is an honour for her to be called a name the same as a legend like Rahul Dravid.
In an interview, Mahpara Shahid told about her struggle and passion as: “I started playing football when my mother took me to a trial at my first club young rising star.”
Her struggle for a name in football is not restricted to reshape herself only. She wants to clear the grounds for the other young ladies who want to play football at domestic and international level. She hopes that people will be matured soon to understand the role of women and will support them for this.
Achievements of Syeda Mahapara Shahid:
- Pakistan National cap holder since 2010
- Best player in 2011 SAFF women’s championship (Bangladesh, Cox’s bazaar)
- 6 time Pakistan national women’s championship
- 6 Times Gold medalist in Pakistan national women’s championship
- Best goalkeeper in SAFF GAMES 2011, 2014
- 13 international matches
“I struggle harder to prove no matter what gender, race or age you’re, you can succeed”: Syeda Mahapara Shahid, Goalkeeper Pakistan National Women Football Team.
