Naveed Khan, a footballer born in Pakistan, is aiming to represent Hong Kong on the international stage while simultaneously dedicating himself to serving the city's community. He intends to balance his footballing ambitions with his commitment to helping people from ethnic minorities.
Khan currently plays for Football Club and is navigating the demands of professional sports alongside his civic duties. His dedication highlights the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of individuals contributing to Hong Kong society.
Another example of a Pakistan-born footballer making strides in Hong Kong is Jahangir Khan. Jahangir moved to Hong Kong at the age of 10 and recently debuted for the Hong Kong national team. His journey reflects the opportunities Hong Kong can provide to those who are willing to pursue their dreams. Jahangir's story began with playing cricket before transitioning to football, showcasing the potential for individuals from diverse sporting backgrounds to excel in Hong Kong. He started playing football on the streets and gradually progressed through the local football scene, eventually earning a place on the national team.
Jahangir has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up as a migrant in Hong Kong, including language barriers. He also acknowledges the sacrifices his parents made to support his dreams, including his father giving up his Pakistani citizenship so that Jahangir could obtain a Hong Kong passport. His success serves as an inspiration to Hong Kong's South Asian community, demonstrating that they can achieve their goals in Hong Kong.
All Black FC, a local club, played a crucial role in Jahangir's development by providing a welcoming environment for refugees and migrants to play football. This emphasizes the importance of inclusive sports programs in helping newcomers integrate into Hong Kong society. Several players from All Black FC have progressed to play in Hong Kong's first and second divisions, and even the Hong Kong Premier League.
Jahangir's international debut for Hong Kong against Malaysia in 2022 marked a significant milestone, making him the first South Asian-born player to represent Hong Kong. He has played for clubs such as Happy Valley, Southern, HKFC, and currently plays for North District in the Hong Kong Premier League.
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) serves as the governing body for football in the city, organizing various competitions and overseeing the Hong Kong representative team.