Working in exile is essential to ensuring that Afghan sports journalism remains connected to the international sports media community. Distance should not mean disconnection. Our responsibility is to maintain professional networks, create opportunities, strengthen international cooperation, and support Afghan sports journalists wherever they are working.

There is much work ahead. Afghan sports journalists need greater access to training, international events, professional exchanges, digital resources, accreditation opportunities, mentorship, and sustainable institutional support. Particular attention must also be given to young and female sports journalists and colleagues rebuilding their professional careers in exile.

ASJF in Exile can serve as a bridge between journalists inside and outside Afghanistan and the wider international sports community. Through partnerships, workshops, professional representation, networking, and international advocacy for journalistic development, we can help ensure Afghan sports journalists are not professionally isolated.

We therefore encourage international sports journalism associations, sports organizations, media institutions, educational bodies, and development partners to cooperate with ASJF in Exile through training programmes, institutional partnerships, scholarships, invitations, expertise, technical assistance, and sustainable professional-development opportunities.

Our purpose is clear: to preserve connections, develop professional capacity, create opportunities, and ensure that Afghan sports journalism continues to have a respected place within the international sports media community.

Sayer Zaland
Chairman,

International Committee, ASJF in Exile

Firooz Mashoof is a prominent Afghan sports journalist, football commentator, presenter, and sports media professional with extensive experience in Afghan sports journalism.

He began his media career in Herat and has worked with several media organizations, including Faryaad TV and Solh Sports TV, covering football and other major sporting events. He has also worked as a presenter, reporter, and football commentator and founded the sports publication Offside.

Mashoof also served as Spokesperson and Head of Media and Communications of the Afghanistan Football Federation, giving him significant experience in sports communications and football administration.

He currently serves as Vice President of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF), contributing to the development of professional sports journalism and supporting Afghan sports journalists.

In 2026, he covered the FIFA World Cup in the United States, adding another major international assignment to his sports journalism career.

His professional work focuses particularly on football journalism, live commentary, sports broadcasting, media development, and strengthening opportunities for Afghan sports journalists.

Sediq Ahmad Ahmadi, professionally known as Daryoush Ahmadi, is an Afghan journalist, television news presenter, and media professional. He works with Ariana TV/Ariana News, where he has built professional experience in news presentation, reporting, and current affairs.

Alongside his broadcasting career, Ahmadi currently serves as Executive Director of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF) in Afghanistan. In this role, he contributes to the Federation’s management, coordination, professional development programmes, and cooperation with national and international sports media organizations.

Through his work in journalism and ASJF leadership, Ahmadi is committed to professional and ethical journalism, supporting Afghan sports journalists, creating development opportunities, and strengthening Afghanistan’s connection with the international sports media community.

Niaz Mohammad Shinwari is an experienced Afghan sports journalist, broadcaster, and cricket commentator from Nangarhar Province. He currently serves as the Interim Secretary General of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF) in Afghanistan.
He has several years of professional experience in sports reporting, cricket journalism, live commentary, interviews, and sports programming, having worked with media organizations including Hamesha Bahar Radio Television, Arzakh Radio, and Sharq Radio Television.
Shinwari holds a degree in Computer Science from Khorasan University and has undertaken professional journalism training alongside his practical media career. In 2025, he participated in the 26th AIPS Asia Congress in Hong Kong and Macao, joining sports media representatives from across Asia.
His professional focus is on responsible and ethical journalism, strengthening Afghan sports media, supporting sports journalists, and promoting greater visibility for Afghan athletes and sporting achievements.

Shamsur Rahman Shams is an experienced Afghan journalist, sports broadcaster, and cricket commentator with more than 10 years of professional media experience. He currently serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF).

Originally from Azra District of Logar Province, Shams graduated from the Faculty of Languages and Literature at Nangarhar University in 2018. He has also completed national and international journalism training, including a two-year investigative journalism programme with DW Akademie, Germany.

Throughout his career, he has worked with various Afghan media organizations in roles including news producer, programme producer, news manager, journalist, and cricket commentator.

Through his work with ASJF, Shams contributes to strengthening professional sports journalism, journalist development, ethical reporting, and cooperation within Afghanistan’s sports media community.

Gohar Rahman Safi is an experienced Afghan sports journalist, broadcaster, and cricket commentator with nearly two decades of involvement in sports media. He currently serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Afghanistan Sports Journalists Federation (ASJF).

Originally from Dara-e-Pech District of Kunar Province, Safi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law. His career in sports journalism began in 2006 in Asadabad, with a particular focus on cricket commentary, live sports coverage, and broadcasting.

In 2014, he joined Jawan Television in Kabul as a sports journalist, where he worked for two years. He later returned to Kunar and joined Shkula Radio, serving as both a sports journalist and Broadcasting Manager. He has worked with the station for nearly a decade.

As an ASJF member and Deputy Executive Director, Safi contributes to the development of sports journalism, professional cooperation among journalists, and stronger coverage and promotion of Afghan sports.