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ASF's "Afghan Cup 2013" has become the largest Afghan sporting and cultural event outside of Afghanistan and has attracted major Afghan athletes from all over the world to showcase their talents in a series of competitive games. From these annual Afghan Cup events held by ASF, both soccer players and basketball players have been selected to represent the Afghanistan National Squads, which has contributed to the rise in Afghanistan’s world ranking for these sporting disciplines.
Eight selected soccer teams with Afghan players from around the world in the men’s division competed for 4 days. Afghan Premier of California beat Brishna of New York by a score of 5-0 to claim the soccer championship title. Fardeen Shaiwany, of Afghan Premier and the Afghanistan National Team, was named the men’s soccer MVP. ASF's Soccer Commissioner Jamil Faryadi, and Assistant Commissioners Azi Wasiq and Esmat Abbassi administered the soccer tournament.
Ten basketball teams from around the country were featured in this year’s basketball tournament. Afghan 5, with a composite of players from Virginia and New York, beat the two-time defending champions, "Tha City" of Virginia, to become the new ASF Afghan Cup basketball champions. The basketball MVP this year was Khalid Yousuf from Afghan 5. ASF Basketball Commissioner Esmael Husseini and Assistant Basketball Commissioner Shakil Rahman supervised the 3-day basketball tournament.
ASF Youth Basketball, which has also produced players to the Afghanistan National Team, was once again a part of the basketball events. This year a young female player was a member of the team in the exhibition game on the final day. A girls’ soccer exhibition game, under the guidance of coach Jawed Sanie, was played by young Afghan girls who play in different local clubs as a prelude for an upcoming girls’ league for ASF.
A master's division soccer tournament with players over age 30 was introduced this year and managed by Faiz Beghoman. Afghan Football Club of Virginia beat Kickers FC for the Championship trophy on Saturday evening. Tennis was featured for the first time at the "Afghan Cup 2013" where female and male players exhibited their talents to fans as part of ASF's efforts to encourage different sports to participate and expand its annual programming.
On Sunday, July 7th immediately after the soccer championship game ended, the trophy presentation ceremony was conducted by ASF Vice President Atiq Panjshiri and ASF President Ajmal Ghani A., which included sports personalities and community leaders who handed out much-deserved prizes to all the Champions. A lifetime achievement award was presented to the ASF’s former Soccer Commissioner Zia Panjshiri, who has been part ofASF since its inception for his service and dedication to the organization.As in years past, an elaborate, high-energy concert with Afghan artists Mustafa Jalali, Temor Jalali, and newcomer Laili was the final act of the evening for fans at "Afghan Cup 2013."
During the 4-day event, all schedules, scores, locations and other relevant information for fans and athletes were managed and updated on the Afghan Sports Federation website managed by ASF Creative Director, Faiz Behgoman and Facebook page managed by ASF Social Media Coordinator, Aimal Ahmadzai.
ASF President Ajmal Ghani A. attributed the success of yet another year of great cultural and sporting activities to the hard work and dedication of ASF administrators and a large number of volunteers. He also thanked all the athletes and team managers for their effort and participation and the fans for their continued support over the past 16 years. Vice President Atiq Panjshiri, who was also the Program Director of Afghan Cup 2013, highlighted the special efforts of community volunteers Fouzia afsnewhari and Sattar Amin who contributed immensely to the success of the event with great enthusiasm as well as Mr. and Mrs. Assad and Zakia Amin.
The Afghan Sports Federation also would like to thank its sponsors for their contributions in making this event possible, among them including: Ariana Television Network, Strategic Intelligence Group (SIG), The Bayat Foundation, AWCC, Afghanistan's Sre-Miasht (Red Crescent), Dunya Banquet Hall & Restaurant, Veritiss, Z Auto Body, La Tulipe, Nooor TV and Afghan Tours & Travels.
Finally, the Afghan Sports Federation would like to thank you for supporting this organization for 16 years of successful community-building through sporting and cultural events. ASF looks forward to continuing and growing the tradition and will see you at Afghan Cup 2014.
