During the assembly, AIPS Asia President Heedon Jung and his committee presented their annual reports, which received unanimous approval from the congress members. The reports highlighted the association’s achievements over the past year, including expanded member engagement, new initiatives to promote ethical journalism, and efforts to elevate the profile of the sports press across Asia.

A key agenda item was selecting the host city for the 2026 AIPS Asia Congress. Initially, three countries—Qatar, Malaysia, and Kuwait—entered the race to host the event. After Malaysia announced its withdrawal due to logistical considerations, Kuwait and Qatar remained as finalists. The vote was closely contested, with Kuwait winning by a narrow margin of four votes—15 votes to Qatar’s 11.

The congress will be held in Kuwait in June 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Gulf nation as it continues to position itself as a hub for regional sports and media events. The decision was met with enthusiasm from the delegates, emphasizing Kuwait’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, and growing sports culture.

“Today we organized the general assembly, and among the activities, we voted for the host city for the 2026 congress. Kuwait was the clear choice after a peaceful and transparent election process. We are confident that next year’s congress will be a milestone for AIPS Asia and will strengthen cooperation among Asian sports journalists,” said President Heedon Jung during his closing remarks.

In addition to the host city announcement, AIPS Asia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hong Kong Sports Press Association, aimed at jointly managing and expanding the Young Reporters Program. This initiative seeks to identify, train, and mentor young sports journalists from across Asia, fostering new talent and promoting ethical, responsible sports journalism. The partnership will include training workshops, exchange programs, and collaborative coverage of major sporting events, providing invaluable opportunities for aspiring reporters.

The evening’s activities included a cultural presentation focused on the Shatin Racehorse, a famous symbol of Hong Kong’s rich equestrian heritage. Participants engaged in interactive sessions that provided deeper insights into Hong Kong’s sporting culture, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening regional ties.

Looking ahead, AIPS Asia plans to continue its efforts to elevate sports journalism standards, facilitate regional collaboration, and support the development of young talent through initiatives like the Young Reporters Program. The 2026 congress in Kuwait is seen as a crucial step toward these goals.