International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and Asian Sports Press Union (ASPU) have officially recognized Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) as a member on Wednesday during the Annual Congress at Bregenz, Austria.
AIPS President Gianni Merlo pronounced NSJF as the representative organization from Nepal on the second day of the 70th Congress. “I have lots of hope from NSJF because this is the association with really energetic and young sports journalists,†he said.
He also made commitment to help NSJF in every aspect of sports journalism and showed his interest in visiting Nepal. “Hopefully, I will be there during the annual Player of the Year Award Ceremony,†he added.
Earlier in the morning, ASPU accepted Nepal as the 31st member in the continental meeting at the Festive House. ASPU President Park Kap Chul praised NSJF’s report presented by president Niranjan Rajbanshi.
“I know NSJF is one of the most active associations even before it had been officially accepted by AIPS and ASPU,†the South Korean said. “I congrats NSJF and hope that they will continue their good run.â€
Along with NSJF, sports associations from Gambia, Montenegro, Oman, Zambia, Haitiens, Paraguay and Serbia were recognized as new members. In the week-long Congress, 108 countries – including 21 Asian nations – are participating.
Earlier on the first day, Austria’s Federal Chancellor, Dr Alfred Gusenbauer, along
with Merlo officially opened the Congress. In his opening address, Dr Gusenbauer, who is also the sports minister, said: “Sports journalists must be responsible in reporting the facts on issues such as doping.â€
Dr Gusenbauer also emphasized the duty of the media to encourage peace through sport and added that the Austrian government supported Salzburg’s bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
AIPS