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