The invisible champions of sports journalism: AIPS Asia congress and young reporters programme arrive in Hong Kong and Macau

Under the theme “The Invisible Champions of Sports Journalism,” the 26th AIPS Asia Congress and Young Reporters Programme will take place from June 29 to July 4, jointly hosted in Hong Kong and Macau. Sports journalists from across Asia will gather for a week of dialogue, hands-on training, and recognition events.

The Congress pays tribute to journalists who may not compete on the field, but who engage in their own form of competition through reporting. With the pen as their sword and the camera as their eye, they document the stories of sport with sharp insight and unwavering commitment. These behind-the-scenes heroes deserve to be seen.

The event will open on June 29 as delegates begin arriving in Hong Kong. Activities will officially start the next day, including panel discussions, young reporter workshops, and the AIPS Asia Awards Ceremony. On July 1, which coincides with the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, participants will visit Sha Tin Racecourse for live reporting exercises. The following two days will include visits to the Kai Tak Sports Park and the Hong Kong Sports Institute, followed by a cross-border exchange in Macau via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.

The Young Reporters Programme is a key highlight of the Congress, offering aspiring sports journalists the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through mentorship and on-site coverage. The event will conclude in Macau on July 4, after which participants may either depart or enjoy free activities.

This year’s AIPS Asia Congress not only bridges two cities, but also two generations, underscoring a core message: behind every athlete, there is a journalist running alongside them. Though rarely in the spotlight, these reporters are indispensable recorders and storytellers of the sporting spirit.