World Sports Journalists Day is annually observed across the globe on July 2 to honour the vital contributions of sports journalists worldwide and commemorates the founding of their primary international body.
- This day also marks the establishment of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS – Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive), established on 2 July 1924 in Paris, France.
- 2 July 2025 marks the 101st anniversary of the AIPS, the World Sports Journalist body.
Theme:
The theme for World Sports Journalists Day 2025 is “Championing Fair Play: Reporting with Integrity and Impact” highlights the journalist’s role in ensuring ethical storytelling, maintaining audience trust, and advocating for accountability in sports governance.
Note: There is no official theme announced for World Sports Day; however, the above theme has been widely used across various news sites.
Background:
i.World Sports Journalists Day was established in 1994 by the AIPS to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its founding.
- To mark this milestone, 2 July of each year has been designated as World Sports Journalists Day to honour sports journalists worldwide.
ii.The first ever observance of this day took place on 2 July 1994.
History of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS):
i.AIPS was founded as L’Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive in July 1924 in Paris, just before the opening ceremony of the VIII Olympic Games.
ii.The association was established by Frantz Reichel, who served as Games Press Chief from France, along with Victor Boin, a freestyle swimmer from Belgium.
iii.The first AIPS Congress was held in July 1924, with delegates representing 29 nations.
iv.AIPS is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and by the main sports federations of each sport and country.
Note: The 87th AIPS Congress was held in Rabat, Morocco from May 12 to 17, 2025.
The AIPS Card: A Global Passport for Journalists
A key benefit for members is the AIPS Card, which is the only official international press credential recognized across borders worldwide.
- The card provides access to a vast network of contacts, information, and communication resources.
- It links over 10,000 journalists across approximately 161 countries, facilitating professional collaboration and recognition.
AIPS Sport Media Awards:
i.In 2018, AIPS launched the AIPS Sport Media Awards, considered the highest international accolade in the sports media industry.
ii.The awards celebrate excellence across all media platforms, including written, photography, audio, and video reporting, and recognize the world’s best sports storytellers.
iii.The 7th edition, the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2024, was presented during the 87th AIPS Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
- The 2024 edition received 2,065 submissions from 136 countries, demonstrating the awards’ truly global reach.
Other Notable Sports Journalism Awards:
Beyond the AIPS Awards, several other significant honours recognize outstanding sports journalism:
i.Sports Journalists’ Association (SJA) British Sports Journalism Awards – United Kingdom (UK)
ii.Annual Sports Emmy® Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) – United States of America (USA)
iii.Dave Moore Award by the baseball journal Elysian Fields Quarterly – USA
iv.Red Smith Award by the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) – USA
Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI):
i.SJFI was formed on 27 February 1976 at Eden Gardens, Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal (WB).
ii.In 1978, SJFI became a founding member of the Asian Sports Journalists’ Union.
iii.In 1979, it became affiliated with the global body, AIPS, strengthening India’s representation in international sports journalism.
About the International Sports Press Association (AIPS):
President – Gianni Merlo
Headquarters – Lausanne, Switzerland
Established – 1924
