By Irshad Ahmad Mughal
In a region too often divided by history, politics, and borders, it is easy to forget how much connects us — shared dreams, shared struggles, and a shared love for sport. Among these, football has quietly emerged as a force for peace, friendship, and dialogue across South Asia.
As a humanist and educator, I have always believed that real change begins when reflection meets action — an idea inspired by Paulo Freire’s philosophy of transformation and Hegel’s belief that progress comes through struggle and contradiction. The path to peace is never a straight one; it zigzags through hardship and misunderstanding. Yet, even in those moments of difficulty, hope finds a way forward.
That hope began years ago as a conversation among friends. I shared a dream with Nazrul Islam from Bangladesh, Declare from Australia, and Sudhir Bhai from India: to use football as a language of peace in South Asia. Sports, after all, have the power to do what politics cannot — bring people together on equal ground.
Our early efforts to include India through our friend Sudhir Godantra in Delhi faced the familiar barriers of tense relations between India and Pakistan. But instead of giving up, we expanded our circle. Soon, Nazrul Islam and Decler joined hands to take the idea forward. After many long discussions, visa delays, and logistical hurdles, we decided to make the dream real– through universities.
The University of the Punjab in Pakistan and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka stepped forward with enthusiasm. Later, Tulsi from Nepal joined in, completing the South Asian trio. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University graciously agreed to host the event in Dhaka, where students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal would gather — not as rivals, but as teammates in the shared pursuit of peace.
It wasn’t an easy task. Financial constraints and travel formalities tested everyone’s patience. Each player and official had to bear the cost of international travel. Yet, no one hesitated. Their commitment was proof that the human spirit — when driven by purpose — can overcome borders and bureaucracies alike.
Unlike traditional tournaments where competition dominates, this football festival was designed differently. There would be no winners or losers, no first, second, or third place. Instead, every team would share the victory, every player would receive recognition. The goal was not to win trophies but to win hearts.
From November 13th to 15th, the grounds of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University will host matches that represent something far greater than sport. Students and spectators will watch young athletes from three nations play side by side, embodying values of friendship, respect, and non-violence. Football jerseys have already been distributed among teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal — a simple but powerful gesture of equality and unity.
This initiative is more than just a tournament; it is a living example of how peace can be practiced, not just preached. Football has become a medium for dialogue — a reminder that the youth of South Asia share far more than what divides them. In every pass and every handshake, they send a message louder than any speech: that peace is possible, and it begins with people.
As I see it, this project is not only about football; it is about reclaiming our shared humanity. It shows that even in times of division, we can build connections through creativity, compassion, and courage. South Asia needs such moments — moments where the field becomes a classroom, and the game becomes a lesson in coexistence.
Peace, like football, requires teamwork. And as the players take to the field in Dhaka, they carry more than their national flags — they carry the hope of a region longing to rediscover unity through the simple, universal joy of the game.