About Us
Who We Are
The Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF) is the only official and internationally recognized organization representing sports journalists in Afghanistan. Founded in 2014 in Kabul by a group of committed and passionate sports journalists, led by Sayer Zaland. ASJF gained official recognition from the Association of International Sports Journalists (AIPS) in 2014. Since then, it has served as the national platform for sports journalists, working to unite professionals across the country and to connect them with the global sports media community.
ASJF was established at a time when Afghan sports were growing, but journalists lacked a central body to support professional reporting, training, and advocacy. The federation now operates as the backbone of sports media in Afghanistan, striving to develop ethical, inclusive, and modern sports journalism, despite the challenging environment in the country.
Today, ASJF represents over 121 active members across 28 provinces, including male and female journalists, media representatives, and provincial coordinators.
Our Mission
ASJF is dedicated to:
• Promoting professional sports journalism in Afghanistan through training, mentorship, and international exposure.
• Strengthening ethics, transparency, and independence in sports reporting.
• Empowering women and young journalists, ensuring equal opportunities in sports media.
• Providing accreditation and access to international sporting events for Afghan journalists.
• Building a global network that connects Afghan sports journalism with the international community.
We believe that sports journalism plays a crucial role in promoting peace, unity, and social engagement throughout Afghanistan.
Our Vision
To create a professional, inclusive, and globally recognized sports media ecosystem in Afghanistan that informs, inspires, and empowers society through ethical and impactful sports journalism.
Key Activities & Programs
1. Annual Sports Awards
◦ Launched in 2016, these awards honor the best athletes, journalists, teams, and sports organizations in Afghanistan.
◦ Winners are selected through input from ASJF members and the public, making it the most credible sports award platform in the country.
2. Annual Congress
◦ Brings together sports journalists from across Afghanistan and abroad.
◦ Discusses challenges, opportunities, and strategies for advancing sports media in Afghanistan.
3. Workshops & Training Programs
◦ Capacity-building sessions for journalists on sports reporting, photography, broadcasting, and digital media.
◦ International collaborations with AIPS and other media organizations to transfer global knowledge to Afghanistan.
4. Women’s Commission
◦ A dedicated commission to empower and train female sports journalists, ensuring their participation in reporting, leadership, and sports advocacy.
5. Digital Platforms & Publications
◦ Launch of the official website www.AsjfNews.com and Sports90+ Magazine, the first ever Afghan sports magazine publishing in English for international readers.
◦ Active presence on social media platforms to share sports news, updates, and reports nationwide.
6. Sports Media Networking & Forums
◦ Engagement with national sports federations, the National Olympic Committee, and international organizations to promote collaboration, transparency, and integrity in sports.
7. Accreditation & International Representation
◦ ASJF is the only organization in Afghanistan authorized to issue AIPS International Press Cards, giving journalists access to events organized by FIFA, ICC, the IOC, and other global sports bodies.
8. Advocacy & Ethics
◦ Monitoring sports organizations for transparency and good governance.
◦ Supporting journalists facing threats or challenges in their professional work.
These collaborations ensure that ASJF programs reach journalists nationwide and represent Afghanistan internationally with credibility.
Our Structure
The ASJF operates under two governing bodies:
The Executive Committee is Responsible for day-to-day operations, national activities, and decision making.
International Board – A body for exiled journalists and international affairs, providing oversight, advice, and strategic guidance to ensure ASJF’s activities remain in harmony with global journalism standards.
Both bodies are committed to democratic processes, inclusive membership (including women and exiled journalists), and respect for the independence of sports media in Afghanistan.
Currently, Khoshhal Taib, a senior journalist with BBC Pashto, is the president of ASJF, while Daryoush Ahmadi is working in Afghanistan as Executive Director. Shamsul Rahman Shams, Gohar Safi, and Niaz Mohammad Shinwari, supporting the Executive Director, are Deputy Directors of the ASJF Executive Board.
Also, ASJF 17 Executive Committee Members are elected in the ASJF 5th Congress. The ExCo is working together with the Support of the Cricket Commission, Football Commission, Olympic Commission, and Women’s Commission to provide related professional ideas to ExCo
Our Global Connection
ASJF is a proud member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), participating in its congresses, training programs, and global initiatives. Our close cooperation with AIPS ensures international oversight of our elections, events, and advocacy work.
