15 August 2025-Kabul, Afghanistan:The upcoming 5th Congress of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF), scheduled for 16 August 2025, is set to become a landmark demonstration of international solidarity with Afghanistan’s sports journalism community.
The Congress will be attended virtually by AIPS President Mr. Gianni Merlo and Secretary General Mr. Jura Ozmec, ensuring full compliance with international standards of transparency, democracy, and inclusivity.
Representatives from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) will also take part, sending a strong message that the global sports community stands shoulder to shoulder with Afghan sports journalists.
More than 117 journalists from across 31 provinces and the Afghan diaspora will participate, electing a new leadership team and endorsing key statute amendments to strengthen the Federation’s governance.
The only Female Afghan Member in IOC Samira Asghari praised ASJF’s determination:
“The commitment shown by ASJF to uphold both Afghan law and international journalism ethics is an example to the global sports press community. We will continue to support them on this journey.”
ASJF’s resilience and legitimacy have been recognized worldwide, with the Federation continuing its mission despite challenges posed by a parallel group operating outside the official ASJF framework. The 5th Congress will reinforce ASJF’s international recognition as the sole legitimate body representing Afghan sports journalists.
Vice President Fierooz Mashoof underscored the importance of this unity: “Our Congress is not just an internal matter, it is a clear statement that Afghan sports journalists are part of the global family, and that we will continue to work with international partners to protect press freedom, ethical journalism, and inclusivity in sports media.”
The Congress will conclude with the official announcement of the newly elected leadership, marking a new chapter for Afghan sports journalism.
