IC14 Vignettes – Ahmed Jahangir (Pakistan Shaheens)
- Monday, August 18 2014 @ 10:42 pm ACST
- Contributed by: Wesley Hull
- Views: 2,279
No matter what happens from here, Ahmed Jahangir from the Pakistan Shaheens can retire knowing he has been a part of history on a number of fronts. Along with anything else he has been a part of the inaugural Pakistan international Australian Rules team and a part of their first ever IC victory.
“I happen to live in Melbourne for some time and have extended family settled here for quite a long time and footy is in our blood.” “I had been kicking around socially for few years now but nothing serious.”
“Now this is my first World Cup together with rest of the team since this is the first time Pakistan is participating in the International Cup.”
“Since Pakistan is traditionally a cricket and hockey country, most of the focus stays on the traditional sports. Having said that, I have noticed a gradual interest towards the AFL. I see more and more parents taking their kids to the footy grounds and playing socially themselves as well.”
“Personally I am so happy that I am fit enough to play this IC14. I will be more of support roll for the next cup and make sure to spread the good sport of AFL as best I can.”
As for Ahmed’s tips for the event, “I was really hoping for the USA to win but I think Ireland will win for the men's side and same goes for the Irish females. So it's green on the both sides.”
“I love Pakistan to the core but I really wish I was born or migrated to Australia earlier just so I could have played more footy.”
Whilst Ahmed’s wish for more footy would be a personal truth for him, the rest of the football world can be grateful that he and his team have added a vital part to the rich tapestry of international Australian Rules football.
The team has already exceeded some expectations by defeating India last weekend, and there is no reason to believe that more wins are on the horizon for this new and passionate team.