KABUL, December 3, 2018 – The third congress of the Afghani Sport Journalists Federation was held from 28-30 November in the historic city of Hirat where 81 journalists from 28 provinces convened. The congress was focused on the access to information and the physical security of sports media in Afghanistan.
In 2018, Afghanistan was one of the most dangerous countries for journalists and ASJF lost five members and had injured many during this year. The governor of Herat province welcomed the delegation during the opening ceremony in his speech and expressed his commitment to bring security for sports media in the province.
Gianni Merlo, AIPS president, expressed in his message to the congress ‘that we are experiencing a very difficult moment in our profession and we still do not see the end of the dark tunnel through which we are moving.’
He also added that for this reason it very important that our professionalism is clean and full of dignity. We have to defend the value of our daily work; we have to fight against corruption and to build a better future for the young generations.
Mr. Merlo wrote in his message that the Afghanistan Sport Journalists Federation has an important role in our Association. He said: “Sayer Zaland, a young and dynamic president, has had the opportunity to experience the everyday life of our AIPS office, and is working every day to improve the cultural level of the Afghan association.”
AIPS president also expressed that ‘in Afghanistan you face great danger every day and your efforts to help society grow are vital. We are on your side, because only together we can work to create a better world for the new generations.’
ASJF President Zaland thanked the governor of Herat, the provincial association of ASJF in Herat and all those who made the congress possible.
Zaland further added that Afghani sports media is suffering from insecurity and a lack of access to information from sport organizations. He said: “We had two big challenges, that is security and access to information for sport media in the country.”
He addressed sport organizations to free information for the media and build friendly relations with journalists. Deputy Minister of youth Dr. Kamal Sadat thanked ASJF for preparing such a great event and bringing sport journalists to discuss the challenges with sport organizations.
Chairman of Afghanistan cricket board, Deputy of president of Afghanistan Football Federation, President of Afghanistan Badminton Federation, CEO of ACB, Deputy General Director of Afghanistan physical education and sport directorate, athletes and local journalists were also part of this historic congress.