Annual APLHIV Sports Championship

Sports events provide an important platform to raise awareness about various issues and their reach for a vast audience cannot be underestimated. Cricket is the most popular game not only in Pakistan but across the sub-continent. Millions of people from all walks of life actively take interest in the game and cricket matches are an excellent place to raise awareness about major issues such as HIV, TB and SRHR. Sports and sports grounds are an equal opportunity for the PLHIV, KPs and marginalized communities to project their abilities and promote a positive image of their constituencies.

Keeping this in view, the APLHIV organized the 1st ever sports event in the history of Pakistan for health well-being in 2023, with cricket as the center of attraction. During the championship in 2023, five (5) teams contested, whereas in 2024 seven (7) teams competed for the APLHIV Trophy.

Large numbers of students, teachers, PLHIV, KPs and members of the public attended the events. All teams wore red ribbons to show solidarity with the HIV community. Awareness messages about HIV and other health-related issues were displayed across the ground and its surrounding vicinity in the heart of Islamabad to raise awareness and combat the many myths associated with HIV.

In 2023, the APLHIV team led by Deputy National Coordinator Mr. Uzair Tariq defeated the Common Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to win the Champions trophy. In 2024, APLHIV defeated Nai Zindagi to claim the trophy. Additionally, in 2024, additional games including Tug of War, Musical Chair and 100- & 400-meter races were also part of the sports week, with APLHIV winning the Tug of War and the 100-meter race competitions.

For photos, please visit www.facebook.com/APLHIV.