W. Cup to divert war fears in Pakistan

W. Cup to divert war fears in Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistani soccer authorities Monday said they hope the World Cup which kicks off in Asia for the first time this week will help divert fears and apprehension surrounding the looming conflict with India.

"Sports have always been a tool for peace and we hope that when the football World Cup is over threats of a war between Pakistan and India go with it," said Pakistan Football Federation secretary Agha Liaquat Ali.

With tensions mounting between Pakistan and India, the attractions of the subcontinent's most popular game, cricket, are waning and sports fans are now focusing their interest on football.

Though Pakistan's representation is confined to sending a few hundred balls to be used in practice sessions, and a visit by three officials who will cast votes for the next president of the world soccer governing body FIFA, the World Cup boom is in full swing. --AFP