TIMES REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association organized a dignified ceremony at the Peshawar Sports Complex to mark World Sports Journalists Day, paying tribute to the valuable contributions of sports journalists.
Former Provincial Minister for Sports and former President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association, Syed Aqil Shah, attended the event as the chief guest. Among the distinguished guests were former world squash champion Qamar Zaman, Secretary General of AIPS Asia and President of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation Amjad Aziz Malik, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association President Asim Shiraz, Secretary Shahid Afridi and a large number of sports journalists.
A cake was cut to commemorate World Sports Journalists Day while commemorative shields were presented to the distinguished guests.
Addressing the ceremony Syed Aqil Shah congratulated sports journalists on World Sports Journalists Day and said that just as athletes bring honour to their province and country, sports journalists are equally a source of pride for the nation. He praised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association for its remarkable services, stating that sports journalists perform their professional responsibilities with dedication and provide impartial coverage to all sports disciplines which is highly commendable.
He further said that Amjad Aziz Malik had laid the foundation of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation and successfully introduced it from the national level to the international arena, describing it as a major achievement for sports journalism in Pakistan.
Senior Vice President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association and squash legend Qamar Zaman said sports journalism plays a vital role in the development of sports. He recalled that during his playing career, athletes were taught to respect sports journalists because they not only report match results but also critically analyze every aspect of sports, identify shortcomings, and contribute to the improvement of athletes and sporting standards.
Speaking on the occasion, Amjad Aziz Malik thanked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association and said that the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation had organized World Sports Journalists Day events across all its regional units to acknowledge the services of sports journalists. He noted that sports writers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been playing a significant role in promoting sports for decades while projecting a positive image of Pakistan and the province internationally.
He added that artificial intelligence (AI) has also begun transforming sports journalism, making it essential for journalists to adapt to modern professional requirements. He urged sports journalists to move forward with a positive approach and continue highlighting the country’s and province’s positive image while promoting sports.
President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Writers Association, Asim Shiraz, said continuous efforts have been made to provide local sports journalists with training comparable to international standards. Every year, several journalists are sent abroad to cover major sporting events, while regular training sessions are organized to equip them with modern skills and emerging trends in sports journalism.
He emphasized that the role of sports journalists has become increasingly important in the modern era and called upon media organizations to invest in training journalists according to international standards and evolving global media requirements.
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