STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD: In a unanimous decision, the Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) has elected new office bearers to lead the organization into its next term. The electoral meeting, held at the Islamabad Tennis Complex, saw senior journalist Afzal Javed assume the role of President, while Nasir Abbas Naqvi and Sohail Raja were elected as General Secretary and Finance Secretary, respectively.
All elected members secured their positions unopposed, a testament to the trust and unity among RISJA’s members. The electoral proceedings were conducted under the watchful eye of the chairman of the Election Committee, Faheem Anwar Khan.
During the meeting, the Council paid tribute to Abdul Mohi Shah, acknowledging his outstanding service to the association. A unanimous resolution was passed, recognizing Shah’s contributions to the welfare of the members and the seamless orchestration of award ceremonies for those who were part of the association during the January 2022 elections.
The assembly also endorsed a membership list and laid out the procedure for obtaining RISJA membership in the future.
Among the newly elected officebearers are Arslan Shirazi as Senior Vice President, Gabrial De Souza and Hafiz Ubaid ur Rehman as Vice Presidents, Nasir Abbas Naqvi as General Secretary, and Khurram Shahzad and Asim Nawaz Abbasi as Joint Secretaries. Sohail Raja was elected Treasurer of the newly formed body.
The executive body of RISJA (R) was also formed during the meeting, with seasoned sports journalist Faheem Anwar Khan at the helm. Notable names like Shahryar Khan (SUNO TV), Shahzad Ali (Samaa), Zeeshan Qayyum (PTV), Rehan Shaikh (AAJ), and Qaisar Shahzad (INP) will also be part of this executive body.
Speaking at the event, former President of the National Press Club, Shahryar Khan, and other attendees commended Abdul Mohi Shah for his tireless efforts in organizing the RISJA award ceremony. In response, Mohi Shah expressed his confidence in the new body’s ability to continue the association’s development and welfare initiatives. He even magnanimously donated his individual award gift to RISJA funds.
In their acceptance speeches, the newly elected President, Afzal Javed, and Secretary, Nasir Naqvi, expressed their gratitude for the members’ trust and pledged to uphold the association’s ideals. They assured the members of RISJA’s commitment to regular activities and its continuous positive impact on sports journalism, as well as advocating for the rights of true professional sports journalists.
As a parting gesture, the newly elected body presented a commemorative shield to Abdul Mohi Shah, recognizing his invaluable contributions and dedication to the RISJA awards.
Established in 1986, RISJA remains the sole registered body in Rawalpindi and Islamabad dedicated to the advancement of sports journalism and the welfare of sports journalists. The newly elected leadership holds the promise of continued progress and advocacy within the field.
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