KABUL, APR 20: The third edition of the exciting football tournament Afghanistan Champions League (ACL) got underway in Kabul on Saturday, with a spectacular opening ceremony that was attended by officials, players and fans.
Part of the ceremony saw officials praising the players including foreigners, by putting traditional Chapan coat on their shoulders at the Afghanistan Football Federation stadium.
“Athletes represent the will of a nation. Today, it is our athletes who have been able to win great honors for their country in the international grounds,” said Mohammad Yusuf Kargar, President of the Afghanistan Football Federation.
“We have a different league today than the previous leagues, as there was no nationwide security in Afghanistan during the last 40 years,” Kakar said. “Fortunately, with this nationwide security, today foreign players are present in the squads of football teams in Afghanistan. Players from Africa, Iran and Pakistan are included in the football squads in Afghanistan.”
Officials said that Afghanistan has great achievements in sports, and they will continue to develop it
“The victory of Afghanistan national football team against India was an important achievement in the field of sports. Allah willing, we will try to take more steps in the field of sports in order to develop sports. We will expand sports from the center to the provinces and districts and make sports widespread,” said Ahmadullah Wasiq, the general director of physical education and sports.
The league is produced and broadcast by Ariana Television Network (ATN).
“Our goal is for football to grow in Afghanistan and for our national champions to achieve more and represent Afghanistan well,” said Lutfollah Stanikzai, chief business officer of ATN.
Shortly after the opening ceremony, the first match of ACL started, with Abu Muslim facing Sarsabz Yashlar.
Abu Muslim clinched 2-0 victory.
 got underway in Kabul on Saturday){kind=link}