Bulgaria–Pakistan Friendly Football Match on the occasion of International Children's Day – 1 June
12 June 2026 News
To mark International Children's Day (1 June) the Embassy of Bulgaria in Pakistan, in cooperation with SOS Children's Village Islamabad, organized a friendly football match, which took place on 11 June 2026 in the Pakistani capital.
The two teams, composed of girls and boys from SOS Children's Village, competed under the Bulgarian and Pakistani flags respectively in a closely contested and emotionally charged match with Team Bulgaria emerging victorious.
In her address to the children Bulgarian Ambassador Irena Gancheva expressed her heartfelt gratitude for their enthusiastic participation in the event. She emphasized that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive environment where they can smile, have fun, play and engage in sports without limitations. In this context, she highlighted the vital role of sport in promoting both the physical and mental well-being of young people, as well as in fostering important values such as perseverance, determination, respect, and teamwork. Encouraging the children to believe in their abilities and pursue their goals regardless of the challenges they may face, Ambassador Gancheva wished them continued success in acquiring new knowledge, guided by curiosity, playing with enthusiasm, and dreaming without limits.
The Bulgaria - Pakistan children's friendly match was supported by renowned Pakistani footballer and former vice-captain of the Pakistan women's national football team Malika Noor who helped prepare both teams for the competition and encouraged them throughout the game.
The event formed part of the activities of the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad in support of the rights of the child and socially significant causes that play an important role in Pakistan's development and progress.
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