In an exciting effort to promote environmental sustainability, the SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 Qualifying Round was successfully hosted at Gulberg Greens, Islamabad.
Part of a global initiative launched by Japan’s Nippon Foundation, the competition transformed trash collection into an exciting, competitive sport, while raising vital awareness about environmental responsibility.
Bin Qutab Foundation (BQF) joined forces with Trash Bee and Waste Hero to host the SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 Qualifying Round in Islamabad on November 22. Trash Bee and Waste Hero are among the leading Islamabad-based youth organizations promoting eco-friendly waste management practices.
The event saw an impressive turnout of 50 teams, each consisting of three participants, all competing to collect and sort trash within a set time frame. The winning team earned the prestigious honor of representing Pakistan in the SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 Final Round in Tokyo, Japan.
Renowned cricketer Yasir Hameed graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Hameed said the initiative is a “great step toward promoting environmental awareness and inspiring action. It’s encouraging to see organizations and individuals coming together for such a meaningful cause.”
Hameed was joined by notable dignitaries, including Assistant Commissioner Haakim Khan, Vice Chancellor of National Skills University Prof. Mukhtar Ahmed, Nippon Foundation representative Kyohi Takeyari, Founder & Chairman, Bin Qutab Foundation M. Bashir Malik, founders of Trash Bee and Waste Hero, Chamber of Commerce Islamabad Member Shumaila, and Sach News Network representative Syed Yasir Naqvi.
“The SPOGOMI competition reflects our commitment to a cleaner and greener Pakistan. This collaboration with Trash Bee and Waste Hero has been instrumental in creating a successful and impactful event,” Bashir Malik commented.
The SPOGOMI competition highlighted the importance of engaging communities in sustainable practices through innovative initiatives such as trash-picking competitions, which foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
The enthusiasm and dedication of the participants, volunteers, and partners served as a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have on preserving the planet and encouraged participants and spectators alike to embrace sustainability in their daily lives.
Spogomi World Cup 2025
SPOGOMI stands for “Sport x Trash Pickup,” a sport born in Japan in 2008 in which teams compete for points awarded according to the amount and type of trash picked up in a given area within a time limit.
The highly anticipated SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 has officially been announced, bringing together teams from across the globe for another round of intense competition. This year’s event promises to surpass previous editions, as participants engage in litter-picking while fostering cross-border friendships and cooperation. The competition not only celebrates sportsmanship but also unites people in a common cause for environmental protection, making it a powerful symbol of global efforts toward a cleaner planet.
The Spogomi movement, which began in 2008, continues to grow, with a clear focus on creating a sustainable future. Founded by Mamitsuka Kenichi, representative of the Social Sports Initiative, Spogomi promotes the idea that “trash pickup is a sport!” With each event, this unique approach to environmental activism encourages communities worldwide to take meaningful action and contribute to the protection of the planet.