Mobilizing Afghan Diaspora Through Cricket: Afghan 34 Tournament in Vienna
The Afghan 34 cricket tournament, founded and organized by Afghan entrepreneur Shawkat Khan in Vienna, brought together young Afghan players and hundreds of spectators for three days of sport, unity, and cultural celebration. More than a game, this event served as a platform for community bonding and youth empowerment.
Held from April 19, the tournament saw 16 teams from across Austria compete in a friendly but competitive spirit. The event attracted hundreds of young Afghans, showing the deep connection between diaspora communities and their cultural and sporting roots.
Ghousudin Mir, president of AKIS Cultural Association in Vienna, emphasized the broader impact of such events:
“Such programs make a valuable contribution to keeping young people away from violence, drug abuse and extremism and to engage them in healthy, sporting activities.”
The tournament also served as a rare unifying platform for prominent Afghan diaspora organizations that don’t often gather under one roof. The event brought them together to share joyful moments with fellow Afghans in the spirit of sport and community.
Mir from AKIS praised this unique gathering and addressed the young players with a promise: to stand by their side in the future and continue supporting similar healthy initiatives—whether cricket, football, or volleyball.
Shawkat Khan’s vision behind Afghan 34 was to create more than a tournament—it was to create a tradition. Through sport, the Afghan community in Austria continues to promote integration, unity, and resilience.
Champions, Community & Recognition
In the final showdown, Team Ajmal triumphed over Team Khitab, winning the tournament and taking home the championship cup.
Award Highlights:
- Best Player: Basit
- Best Batsmen: Ali Malik & Abdullah Afridi
- Top Bowlers: Shafiq, Zaman & Farid
- Most Stylish Player: Irfan
- Best Sportsmanship: Waliullah
Outstanding players received medals and mobile phones as tokens of appreciation.
As a symbolic gesture, Shawkat Khan presented a digital Afghan national flag to the Afghan embassy’s representative – Fazull Mahmood Rahemee Pajwak – honoring the spirit of Afghan unity abroad.
Sport as a Cultural Anchor for Diaspora Youth
Afghan 34 isn’t just a cricket tournament—it’s a cultural and social initiative aimed at uplifting diaspora youth, giving them a space to express their identity, and build positive networks.
For Vienna’s Afghan community, events like this help preserve heritage, foster belonging, and most importantly, offer young people a healthy and inspiring outlet.
Report by ADN
