By Irshad Ali, EC Member PSWF
The Sports Journalists Association Sindh (SJAS) honored senior sports journalists Amjad Aziz Malik, Abdul Rasheed Shakoor and Faizan Lakhani for their services in the field of sports on Wednesday at the Sindh Scouts Headquarter Auditorium.
It is pertinent to mention that President of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation (PSWF) and Secretary General of Association of International Press of Sports (AIPS) Asia, Amjad Aziz Malik was once again elected as General Secretary of AIPS Asia in the AIPS Asia Congress 2017 which was held in Islamabad in October.
SJAS organized a ceremony at Sindh Scouts Auditorium to honour the services of the senior sports journalists Abdul Rasheed Shakoor and Faizan Lakhani, who covered around 100 international matches for Pakistan. SJAS presented a gold medal to Amjad Aziz Malik, while presenting a memento to Lakhani and Shakoor.
Sindh Information Minister, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah was the chief guest who lauded the services of Amjad Aziz Malik, Faizan Lakhani and Abdul Rasheed Shakoor in the field of sports and organizing various events wh outlined that they made their country proud globally. The Minister also assured the media members that the government of Sindh would provide all kind of support to the journalist community. “We are always available for journalists financially and trying to solve their problems,” added Nasir Hussain Shah. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister hailed SJAS services and appreciated the entire association for organizing this event.
Amjad Aziz Malik, elected secretary of AIPS Asia said: “It is an honor for me that I’ve again elected as secretary of AIPS Asia. I have struggled a lot to achieve my goals. Despite all opposition I worked hard for this position once again,”
Abdul Rasheed Shakoor, who covered hundred international matches in UAE while 370 international matches in total internationally said on the occasion that “In the 1990s, we have attempted hard to develop sports journalists association but we failed due to lack of cooperation and unity among the members.” Shakoor thanked SJAS for honoring him. Faizan Lakhani thanked all his seniors for their endless support. Lakhani has covered around 100 international matches.
Speaking on the occasion, Olympian Islahuddin suggested that media should “promote hockey at their fullest,” Islahuddin appreciated the services of SJAS.Senior sports journalist, Abdul Majid Bhatti appealed to the Sindh Sports Minister, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah that the Sindh government should develop more grounds in Sindh and requested the government of Sindh to look after those former journalists who are living from hand to mouth. SJAS also presented souvenir to four members namely Syed Nasar Iqbal, Mansoor Ali Baig, Riaz Uddin and Zubair Nazeer Khan who recieved lifetime achievement awards at the AIPS Congress in 2017. Later, President SJAS, Tariq Aslam and Secretary Asghar Azeem thanked all the participants for attending the event.
TV and Radio Sports Commentator and former CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Chishti Mujahid, Senior journalists Shahid Hashmi, Sardar Khan, Mansoor Ali Baig, Hockey commentator, Riazuddin, Olympian Islahuddin, Ex-KCCA chief, Aijaz Farooqui, President KUJ, Hassan Abbas, Sports Consultant NBP, Ghulam Muhammad, Senior Vice President SJAS, Zubair Nazeer Khan, Vice President SJAS, Ubaid Awan along with other members attend the event.
