By: Amjad Aziz Malik Secretary General AIPS ASIA

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan .September 29, 2025: Grand celebrations were held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Kyrgyzstan Sports Journalists Federation (KSJF). The day-long International Forum of Sports Journalists brought together prominent local and foreign sports journalists, media professionals, and international sports officials to celebrate three decades of excellence in sports journalism and discuss the future of the profession.

The event featured distinguished guests including Hee Don Jung, President of the Asian Sports Journalists Federation (AIPS Asia); Amjad Aziz Malik, Secretary General of AIPS Asia; and Mr. Sato, Advisor to President AIPS ASIA from Mongolian Sports Journalists Federation, who attended as special guests and keynote speakers.

In his opening address, Ulugbek Salymbekov, President of the Kyrgyzstan Sports Journalists Federation, warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the federation’s contributions over the past three decades. He said Kyrgyz sports journalism has played a positive and constructive role in promoting sports and supporting athletes across the country.

He noted that sports in Kyrgyzstan are flourishing, with new stadiums under construction and athletes achieving international recognition thanks to the government’s focus on sports development. Ulugbek announced that the World Nomad Games will be held in Bishkek next August, featuring participation from 90 countries, marking a major opportunity for Kyrgyzstan to showcase its sports potential on the global stage. Reflecting on the federation’s journey, Ulugbek expressed pride in how Kyrgyz journalists have grown across print, electronic, and digital media, and mentioned regular participation in AIPS and AIPS Asia congresses. He announced plans for joint programs and training workshops in partnership with AIPS Asia in the near future.

In his speech, Hee Don Jung, President of AIPS Asia, praised the rapid growth of sports journalism in Central Asia and commended Kyrgyzstan’s dedication over three decades. He emphasized that hosting such an international seminar for the first time provides valuable learning opportunities for young sports journalists. He Dong-jung proposed that Central Asian countries collaborate to organize regional games, similar to the South Asian Games, to create more exposure for athletes. He also congratulated the organizers for successfully hosting the event and strengthening international cooperation.

The forum recognized and honored numerous journalists and media professionals for their outstanding contributions:

• Kabul Makeshov, veteran journalist, Honored Worker of Culture of Kyrgyzstan, and KSJF Secretary General, received the “Golden Order” from the National Olympic Committee for his decades of service.
  Makeshov has reported from 7 Summer and 5 Winter Olympic Games, several Asian Games, and World Championships, and authored over 20 books on sports journalism.
• The State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports awarded the “Best in Physical Culture and Sports” badge to:
  • Shayyrbek Arapov (UTRK Sport)
  • Janara Esenova (UTRK Chuy)
  • Gulzhan Turdubaeva (former Azattyk)
  • Emilbek Chekirov (Azattyk)
• Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Adilet Kerimbek uulu, Eliza Nurmatova, Adilet Temirlanov, Aizada Nuradileva, Erkinbek Abdullaev, and Maria Ivanova for their professional excellence.
• AIPS Asia Special Awards were conferred upon Umbetaly Kydyraliev (President, National Olympic Committee), Ulugbek Salymbekov (President, KSJF), and several senior journalists including Taras Khlypenko, Surat Zhilkychiev, Tabyldy Asygaliev, Ksenia Tolkaneva, Bakyt Shukuraliev, Kanai Alamanov, Nurdin Sultambaev, and Takhir Gafurov.

Additionally, the Union of Journalists of Kyrgyzstan presented Kabul Makeshov with the “Best Journalist” medal.

To mark the milestone, the federation published a trilingual magazine (Kyrgyz, Russian, and English), highlighting the history of Kyrgyz sports journalism, interviews with veteran reporters, and insights into the nation’s evolving media landscape.

Founded in 1995 by Kabul Makeshov and Askar Salymbekov, the Kyrgyzstan Sports Journalists Federation began with 8 members and has now expanded to over 40. It is an active member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and AIPS Asia.

Since 2000, more than 30 Kyrgyz journalists have attended international congresses, training programs, and seminars through the federation’s support, gaining global exposure and professional experience.

The 30th anniversary celebrations in Bishkek marked a historic milestone for Kyrgyz sports journalism — honoring the pioneers, celebrating achievements, and setting the stage for a brighter, globally connected future.