3 Jalandhar girls invited for FIFA party

Gaurav Kanthwal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 13

Selfless service to society pays in the longer run. Sometimes, instantaneously. Three social workers from Jalandhar got the surprise of their life when they were invited by football’s governing body to be a part of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

FIFA has acknowledged Jaspreet Kaur, Baljinder Kaur and Sonia’s meritorious services while working with an NGO for the underprivileged. 

The trio will be off to Moscow to soak in the thrills and frills of FIFA World Cup on June 20. 

“We are really excited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have got tickets for a Round of 16 match (No. 51) at the Luzhniki Stadium,” said Jaspreet.  Their 15-day trip will also include a youth programme, ‘FIFA Foundation Festival’, organised for young leaders and mentors.

Rurka Kalan girl Jaspreet Kaur, 27, will perform the role of a facilitator and coordinator in conducting sessions of sports and development for young leaders. 

Deewali girl Baljinder Kaur, 22, who works in Government Primary School, Jamsher, is going as a youth mentor. 

Twenty-two-year-old Sonia from Bakkapur village, who works in Government Primary School, Bakkapur, Phillaur, will also accompany her as a youth mentor.

Incidentally, none of them has ever played football at any competitive level.  

Sonia said, “It does not matter whether you come from a village or a city. If you do your work sincerely and selflessly, God will take note of it. Youth Football Club, Rurka Kalan, with its social work, has changed many lives in the villages of Punjab. This trip is a result of their blessings. We will try to do our best and show FIFA that they were not wrong in choosing us.”