AIPS Asia concludes memorable 26th Congress in Hong Kong, China

A corss section of participants of the 26th AIPS Asia Ongress in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by HKSPA)

HONG KONG, July 6, 2025 - The 26th AIPS Asia Congress was held in Hong Kong, China from June 30 to July 4. The AIPS Asia, which represents 30 member countries and regions across Asia, organizes its annual Congress in a different host country each year. The primary purpose of this gathering is to host delegates from member countries, offering them insights into the development and promotion of sports and the welfare of sports journalists in the host nation. It also serves as a platform to discuss the challenges faced by sports journalists and explore practical solutions.

This year, the Hong Kong Sports Press Association successfully hosted the Congress. Chiu Chan Fai, popularly known as Raymond, drew particular praise for leading his team in organizing one of the most memorable Congresses in the history of AIPS Asia.

OPENING CEREMONY The opening ceremony was a grand affair, graced by Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Rosanna Law, who was the chief guest. Prominent figures such as Hon. Kenneth Fok JP, member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and Vice President of SF&OC, AIPS President Gianni Merlo, and AIPS Asia President Hee Don Jung were also present. The event began with a vibrant cultural performance and a traditional lion dance that warmly welcomed the guests.

HONG KONG'S SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTSIn her address, Rosanna Law welcomed all distinguished guests and highlighted Hong Kong’s growing stature as a global sporting hub. She applauded the city’s achievements and shared exciting updates, including details about the Kai Tak Sports Park – a world-class sports facility that has already hosted major events like the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and international concerts. She also announced upcoming highlights for the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025, featuring blockbuster matches such as Liverpool FC vs. AC Milan and the first-ever North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to be played outside London – both sold out, attracting thousands of fans.

Secretary Rosanna further noted that Hong Kong, China will co-host the 15th National Games later this year in November, alongside Guangdong Province and Macao SAR. Quoting Chinese table tennis legend Ma Long, she emphasized that winning a gold medal at the National Games can be even more challenging than the Olympics due to fierce competition. 

VITAL ROLE OF SPORTS JOURNALISTS She praised the vital role of sports journalists in bringing the passion and human stories behind these events to audiences worldwide. “Your work brings these moments to life and highlights Hong Kong’s dynamic sporting scene,” she said. Concluding her speech, she invited delegates to explore Hong Kong and expressed her best wishes for the Congress’s success, hoping that the city’s sporting accomplishments would be prominently covered by the media.

IMPORTANCE OF UNITY AIPS President Gianni Merlo, in his remarks, stressed the importance of unity among journalists to advance sports. AIPS Asia President Hee Don Jung expressed his delight at the outstanding organization of the Congress by the Hong Kong Sports Press Association, adding that this 26th Congress would be remembered as a landmark event in AIPS Asia’s history. 

LEGENDS OF AIPS ASIA One of the key highlights of the opening day was the presentation of the ‘Legends of  AIPS Asia Awards’. This award, initiated in 2023, honours veteran journalists who have dedicated their lives to sports journalism. This year, six distinguished journalists received this honour: Mr. Abu Bakar Atan (Malaysia), Mr. Otgonbater Chultem (Mongolia), Mr. Nim Seong Fong (Macao), Ms. Ming Chu Chien (Chinese Taipei), and from the host Hong Kong, Mr. Kenneth Fok and Mr. Paul Kwan Kai. The awardees expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sports through journalism.

In addition, the Chinese Taipei Sports Journalists Association was honoured as the ‘Best Sports Media Association of 2024’, an award received by its President and Secretary.

TOUR OF KAI TAK STADIUM Delegates, including young sports reporters from various countries, were given a guided tour of the iconic Kai Tak Stadium – a state-of-the-art venue for international competitions. The tour included the grand opening of the Champions Bar. CEO John Sharkey, an experienced administrator, remarked that the Champions Bar is among Hong Kong’s largest sports bars, designed to celebrate the city’s rich aviation history and sporting triumphs. Its logo is inspired by the iconic Kai Tak Airport, symbolizing past and present successes and reflecting the stadium’s mission to be a hub of victory and entertainment. The journalists enjoyed the stadium’s modern facilities and a live music session, making the visit an unforgettable experience.

AIPS Asia President Hee Don Jung praised Kai Tak Stadium’s artistic design and architectural elegance. He commended the management for their efforts in warmly hosting journalists and creating a welcoming atmosphere for media representatives from across the continent. He remarked that Kai Tak Stadium stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s ambition and resilience – a true symbol of progress and success. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the press in promoting a vibrant sports culture and fostering community spirit.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING During the Congress, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between AIPS Asia and the Hong Kong Sports Press Association. Under this MoU, both associations will cooperate with each other during the Young Sports Reporters Training Program in Hong Kong, with the aim of providing annual training to young sports journalists from across Asia. The Young Sports Reporters Training Program held in Hong Kong is a unique and highly popular training initiative of its kind, which has already benefited dozens of young sports reporters. The MoU was signed by AIPS Asia President Hee Don Jung and Hong Kong Sports Press Association’s Chiu Chan Fai Raymond.  

VISIT TO HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB The Congress participants and young sports reporters were also taken to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, where they attended the July 1 Establishment Day of HKSAR horse races. This visit was highly impressive for the participants, who were also briefed in detail about the club. The participants thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Hong Kong Jockey Club

CELEBRATING WORLD SPORTS JOURNALISTS DAY During the Congress, young reporters participating in the Young Sports Reporters Training Program visited the Hong Kong Sports Training Centre. A colourful ceremony celebrating World Sports Journalists Day was also held aboard a cruise ship. The event was graced by Captain Husain Al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of World Aquatics, who highlighted Asia’s major strides in hosting large-scale sporting events, referencing the legacy of the Asian Games. He appreciated the vital role of sports journalists and commended AIPS Asia’s continued efforts. AIPS Asia President Hee Don Jung presented him with a commemorative shield, while the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation honoured him with a traditional turban. A similar turban was also presented to Hong Kong Sports Press

Association President Chiu Chan Fai Raymond.

FORUMS Two insightful sports forums were organized during the Congress, providing a platform for athletes and administrators to reflect on their achievements and share their visions for the future.

KUWAIT TO HOST 27TH CONGRESS A significant moment of the Congress was the selection of the host country for the 2026 AIPS Asia Congress.

Malaysia, Kuwait, and Qatar were in the running. After Malaysia withdrew, Kuwait and Qatar went head-to-head, with Qatar receiving 11 votes and Kuwait securing 15 votes, while two countries abstained. Thus, Kuwait earned the honour of hosting the 2026 AIPS Asia Congress.

Delegates also reviewed the performances of various national associations and approved resolutions concerning the situations in Iran and Gaza. The Congress concluded with a memorable visit to Macao, where the Macao Sports Press Association extended warm hospitality to the guests. 

AIPS ASIA EC MEETING During the Congress, a meeting of the AIPS Asia Executive Committee is also traditionally held, and at the Hong Kong Congress, this important meeting was convened as well. Out of a total of 17 Executive Committee members, 16 attended the meeting. In this meeting, the minutes of the 2024 Congress held in Nepal were approved, which were presented by Ahmed Khawari Issa. The reports of President Hee Don Jung,

Secretary Amjad Aziz Malik, and Treasurer Niranjan Rajbanshi were formally approved. Various matters were discussed. Meisam Zamanabadi and Safwan Abu Shanab shed detailed light on the situation in Iran and Gaza, and a resolution was approved.

President Hee Don Jung stated that the performance of AIPS Asia is commendable and that we must establish our recognition at the global level with mutual harmony and unity. AIPS President Gianni Merlo also attended the meeting and shared details about his meeting with the newly elected IOC President Kristy Coventry. He said that the new President is extremely enthusiastic and he is confident that under her leadership, sports will gain further promotion worldwide

In every respect, the 26th AIPS Asia Congress held in Hong Kong, China will be remembered as an inspiring milestone in the history of sports journalism in Asia