KABUL, July 10, 2025 – A joint coordination meeting was held in Kabul between the leadership of the General Directorate of Physical Education, Sports, and Olympic Affairs and representatives of the media and sports journalists.
The meeting was attended by Maulvi Ahmadullah Wasiq, General Director of Physical Education, Sports, and Olympic Affairs; Hafiz Ahmadjan Zadran, Technical and Professional Deputy; Qari Hayatullah Rahmani, Sports Advisor; Maulvi Dad Mohammad Baryal Atayee, Director of Dawat and Ershad; Dad Mohammad Payenda Akhtari, Director of Olympic Affairs; Bawar Khan Hotak, Deputy of the National Olympic Committee; Atal Mashwani, Director of Publications and Public Awareness; other sports officials; media representatives; and a large number of sports journalists.
The session opened with remarks from Atal Mashwani, Director of Publications and Public Awareness, who highlighted the department’s media and sports activities. He thanked the media for their consistent coverage of sports events and for bringing reports of Afghanistan’s athletic achievements to audiences across the country.
Maulvi Ahmadullah Wasiq then spoke about the overall state of sports in Afghanistan, noting that the country’s athletic sector has seen remarkable progress in recent years. He pointed out that Afghan athletes have secured significant achievements at both national and international levels across various disciplines.
Referring to the recent successes in cricket, futsal, and other sports, Mr. Wasiq emphasized that Afghan athletes have made historic and unprecedented accomplishments in international competitions over the past year.
He further stated that media, journalism, and sports are closely interconnected, acknowledging the crucial role of the media in widely sharing the joy of Afghan athletes’ victories. Wasiq expressed his appreciation to all sports journalists for their efforts and assured them of continued support and cooperation from the Directorate in all possible areas. He also encouraged media outlets to maintain their vital role in promoting sports and sharing every triumph and moment of joy from Afghan athletes with the public.
On behalf of Afghanistan’s sports journalists, Said Omar Sahar, organising committee member of Afghanistan Sports Journalists’ federation, thanked the Directorate for organizing such an important meeting. He spoke about the need to reactivate the Sports Journalists’ Federation, enhance coordination among sports journalists, and address their challenges, calling for the Directorate’s full support in these areas.
The gathering also included a moment of prayer for the late Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a prominent international cricket umpire, whose passing was described as a significant loss for Afghanistan and its sports community.
