Afghan Sports Federation's "Afghan Cup 2011" Held in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of Afghans from all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Afghanistan gathered at Howison Park in Prince William County, Virginia, and the Maryland Soccerplex Stadium of Washington DC Metropolitan area to celebrate the Afghan Sports Federation's 14th annual "Afghan Cup" sporting and cultural event. This year's four-day event was kicked off by the launch of ASF's new web address at www.afghansportsfederation.com at a pre-tournament dinner reception for team representatives, ASF officials, Afghan Embassy diplomats, community leaders and members of the media at the Wesfield Marriott. The games began on June 30th and came to a successful conclusion on Sunday, July 3rd, 2011. The championship games, cultural events and the Afghan picnic were held at the internationally renowned "Germantown Soccerplex Stadium" in Maryland.

After the conclusion of the championship games, which included women's volleyball, men's volleyball, men's basketball, youth soccer, and women and men's soccer (football), trophies and awards were presented to the champions, followed by a live concert by famous Afghan artist Mr. Mahboobullah Mahboob and Ms Mariam Wafa until midnight on Sunday.

This year's cultural/sporting events were the biggest hosted by the Afghan Sports Federation, with thousands of spectators from all over the United States, Canada and Europe including international sponsors and local Afghan food vendors. Hundreds of athletes, both males & females, with thousands of their fans and supporters came to watch the games and enjoyed the festivities.

The final day of the program commenced with the volleyball championship games for both men & women, which was followed by a spectacular basketball championship game in the afternoon. The indoor gymnasium was packed with leagues of spectators cheering for their favorite teams. Later outside, the women's soccer game kicked off at 4:00 PM between California rivals, Tracy FC & Itifaq FC that was the highlights of the games in conjunction with the women's World Cup being played in Germany this month. The men's Soccer Championship game between Pamir Football Club of New Jersey and Brishna Football Club of New York ended in a 1-0 win by Brishna.

This year's ASF special guests and trophy presenters were Afghanistan Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Eklil Hakimi in his first major public appearance who had encouraging words for fans and handed the men's soccer championship trophy to the wining team, former US Ambassador to United Nations Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad attended the women's soccer match with his wife, Afghanistan's Human Rights commissioner Mr. Nadir Naderi, and industrialist  Mr. Ehsan Bayat.  

ASF officials including, Executive Director Mr. Atiq Panjshiri, Board  Secretary Mr. Zia Panjshiri, Ms. Awista Zazay, Mr. Esmael Husseini, Mr. Assad Amin, Mr. Esmat Abbassi,  Mr. Abdullah Monawar, Mr. Wyce Baber and Afghan Sports Federation President Mr. Ajmal Ghani A. presented medals and trophies as well to the Champions.

The men's basketball championship was won by The City of Virginia whose captain Yusuf Ansary was joined by MVP Yusuf Samey to claim their prizes .The men's volleyball champion was Virginia Boys whose trophy was given to Azi Wasiq, their coach. The women's soccer championship game was won by Tracy of California and the MVP was Ms. Helai  Arghandiwal who is also part of Afghanistan's Women's National soccer team squad.

Atiq Panjshiri & Ajmal Ghani  A. presented ASF's first special "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Mr. Ehsanullah  Bayat for his continued support of athletes and sports and ASF activities for the past 14 years. Mr. Bayat has been a supporter of the events since it's first year in 1998.

"This event was the largest gathering of Afghans outside of Afghanistan for a sporting and cultural event; the Afghan Sports Federation's staff, volunteers, officials, and management performed professionally despite many challenges. The Afghan media including televisions and radio stations covered the events extensively. Everything went according to our expectations and we have received rave reviews from fans; we hope to duplicate these programs in Afghanistan," said Mr. Ajmal Ghani A., President of the Afghan Sports federation. Mr. Ghani dedicated the events to the people of Afghanistan and its athletes.

For more information and pictures of the event visit:

www.afghansportsfederation.com

SOURCE Afghan Sports Federation