Kathmandu, Sept. 13: Sports journalists representing 22 Asian countries discussed on the future of Asian sports and the way sports journalism can aid in its development. The discussion took place at the 25th AIPS-ASIA Congress hosted by the Nepal Sports Journalist Forum (NSJF) in Kathmandu on Thursday. It was inaugurated in the presence of Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary.

AIPS-ASIA is the Asian division of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), the global organisation representing sports journalists. Representatives of 22 out of the 30 member countries of AIPS-ASIA including some delegates from AIPS-Europe had attended the Congress. 

The Congress discussed on several internal issues alongside the challenges and solutions to make Asia better in sports.

In a panel discussion including women sports journalists alongside Nepal’s first Paralympic medallist Palesha Goverdhan, the panellists raised the issues regarding the role of women in sports and informed of the tests they go through while covering sports.

Likewise, the NSJF also coordinated for several agreements between Asian sports journalists and Nepali stakeholders during the Congress. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in between the AIPS-ASIA, NSJF, and Centre for Media Research (CMR), Nepal. As per the MoU signed by AIPS-ASIA President Hee Don Jung, NSJF President Durga Nath Subedi and CMR Director Ujjwal Acharya.

As per the agreement, CMR will provide fully-funded sports journalism development courses to NSJF members alongside partial-scholarship 

to AIPS members. Likewise, the MoUs were also signed in between the AIPS-ASIA and Asian Electronic Sports Federation to promote e-sports in Asia. The signings were done by Jung and AESF vice-president Lokesh Suji.

Another MoU was signed by the AIPS-ASIA with Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN). The HAN has pledged discounts in accommodation for AIPS members whenever they arrive in Nepal. The Nepal Tourism Board also promoted Nepal’s culture and natural beauties amongst the delegates.

“Asian countries are still behind Europe in sports. We need to develop our sports sector and make our athletes challenging and competitive against Europeans,” said Ahmed Khawari Mohd Isa, vice-president of AIPS-ASIA.

Likewise, thanking the NSJF for a memorable Congress, AIPS-ASIA President Jung stated that the AIPS-ASIA would always work for the betterment of sports in Asia.

Nepal’s Sports Minister Chaudhary also applauded the NSJF for hosting one of the biggest events and bringing sports journalists from across Asia under a single roof.