Sports for Development in Action: The Success Story of Sahil Gull

Born in a small village in Attock, Punjab, Sahil Gull exemplifies how resilience, determination, and opportunity can transform a life. Growing up in a financially challenged household, Sahil left school at the age of 14 to work at an electrician’s shop to support his family. Despite facing discouragement and even physical abuse for pursuing his passion for football, he remained steadfast in his dream.

Sahil’s turning point came when he learned about football trials organized by Muslim Hands in Islamabad. Determined to participate, he traveled 86 kilometers by hitching a ride on a truck. After impressing the selectors, he was chosen — but initially denied permission by his father. In a remarkable act of perseverance, Sahil went on a week-long hunger strike until a neighbor intervened, allowing him to join the camp.

Since then, Sahil has represented Pakistan at the Street Child United Football World Cup 2022 in Doha, where the team finished as runners-up, and again at the Norway Cup 2023, where Pakistan’s U17 side achieved second place after a series of outstanding performances against European clubs.

His consistent excellence earned him a place in the Pakistan Football Federation National U19 Team for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship 2023 in Nepal, where he made a crucial penalty save in the semi-final to take Pakistan to the final — earning national recognition.

Today, Sahil continues his education at Metropolitan International United College (MIUC) on a 90% sports scholarship and plays for the Pakistan WAPDA Football Team, ensuring both academic growth and professional stability.

Sahil’s journey from a small workshop in Attock to representing Pakistan on international stages highlights the profound impact of initiatives like Maidaan, a Muslim Hands project committed to providing identity, opportunity, and equality through sports.

Sahil’s remarkable journey has also been featured in the film “𝐈 𝐀𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲,” produced by Jaja Film Productions in collaboration with Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy SOC Films , highlighting how football and the Maidaan initiative are transforming the lives of street-connected children in Pakistan. His story is a living example of how sports can be a powerful tool for social transformation — turning adversity into achievement, and dreams into reality.