Kabul – The Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF) successfully concluded
It’s the Fifth Congress on Saturday in a virtual gathering that brought together national and
international representatives, including more than 70 Afghan sports journalists, along
with senior officials of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
The congress was inaugurated with speeches by AIPS President Gianni Merlo and
Secretary General Jura Ozmec, who praised the resilience of Afghan sports journalists
and reaffirmed AIPS’s recognition of ASJF as the sole official body representing sports
journalists in Afghanistan.
Mr. Merlo stressed the vital role of Afghan sports journalists in promoting peace and
Solidarity through sports. He reiterated that “AIPS strongly opposes the creation of any
parallel organizations that contradict its statutes and principles,” and emphasized that
Afghan journalists must apply for the AIPS International Press Card exclusively through
ASJF, recognized by AIPS.
Secretary General Ozmec commended the professional dedication of Afghan
journalists, announcing that AIPS would soon create opportunities for Afghan members
to participate in international training and capacity-building programs. He specifically
requested the new ASJF leadership to prepare a list of Afghan sports Reporters,
interested in advancing their careers. “AIPS is ready to provide Afghan colleagues with
professional training and even opportunities for practical reporting from the field of
international sports events shortly,” Ozmec said.
New Leadership Elected by Majority Vote
The highlight of the congress was the election of a new leadership team for the
upcoming term. By a clear majority of votes, Khoshhal Taib, a journalist with BBC World
News was elected as the President of ASJF, while Daryoush Ahmadi, Current Affairs
Manager with Aryana News was elected as the new Executive Director.
In his remarks as president, Mr. Taib said:
“This is a proud and historic day for Afghan sports journalism. Despite challenges, our
federation remains united and strong. I am committed to working with all members to
enhance professionalism, integrity, and international representation of Afghan sports
journalists.”
Newly elected Executive Director Mr. Ahmadi also expressed gratitude for the trust
placed in him, stating:
“Our mission is to build capacity, protect the rights of sports journalists, and expand
cooperation with international organizations. I will dedicate my efforts to ensure ASJF
continues to be the true voice of Afghan sports journalists.”
The congress members warmly congratulated the newly elected leaders and extended
their best wishes to the entire executive board for a successful term.
ASJF Executive Committee – Newly Elected Members
Alongside the President and Executive Director, the following individuals were elected
To the ASJF Executive Committee:
Shamshul Rahman Shams, Sports Reporter, Roydad News Agency, has been newly
elected ASJF Deputy Executive Director
Gohar Saif, Manager, Shkhola Radio, as the freshly elected Deputy Executive
Director
Niaz Shinwari, elected as deputy Executive Director, is working in sports
Journalist with Sharq Radio TV. Shinwari is also serving as Interim Secretary
General until the formal appointment of a new SG.
Imdadullah Hamdarad, Manager & Sports Journalist, Sabawoon Radio, elected
as ASJF, Media Secretary
Ahmad Shah Erfanyar, Pajhwok News Agency, will also support Hamdard as
Media Secretary
Homayoun Wesal, working with Wesal Media, was elected as Finance Secretary
Freshta Ostawar, elected as Head of the Women’s Committee, is dedicated to
supporting female sports journalists, addressing their challenges, and working
closely to find solutions to the difficulties they face
Executive Committee Members
- Ilyas Niazy – Solh Sport
- Zabihullah Shahzad – Freelance
- Yaqoob Noorzai – Dunya-e-Naw TV
- Abdullah Zairak – Raghoon Radio
- Freshta Ostawar – Freelance Journalist
- Asadullah Wafa – Zabul Radio TV
- Sayed Wali Noori – Sakoon Radio
- Homayoun Hemat – Hamkar Media
- Karimullah Adabi – Uruzgan Radio TV
- Waheed Gul Hashimi – Nan Radio
- Jalaluddin Zeeshan – Freelance
- Sayed Murtaza Mehrabi – Safeer TV
- Fazel Rahman Saee – Samangan Radio TV
- Hameedullah Arefi – Radio Bamyan
- Fazel Wahid Afkari – Bakhtar News Agency
- Roya Moos – Radio Free Europe
Looking Ahead
The congress also included the presentation of ASJF’s annual report and a roadmap for
future initiatives. Amendment to the ASJF statute, which was amended by a majority of votes.
Journalists shared their concerns and proposals, particularly around professional
development, safety, and international cooperation.
The successful conclusion of the Fifth Congress marks a new chapter for ASJF,
strengthening its role as the recognized voice of Afghan sports journalists within the
global family of AIPS.
With the new commitment from AIPS to provide both training and real-world reporting
opportunities, along with ASJF’s establishment of a Women’s Committee, Afghan sports
journalists are poised to play a stronger role on both the national and international
stage.