TWG 2025 Chengdu Young Reporters Programme Launched
The World Games (TWG) 2025 Chengdu Young Reporters Programme was officially launched in Paris on Tuesday 6 August, the first of its kind in the games’ history.
Gianni Merlo, president of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) announced the launch of the programme during AIPS’s 100th anniversary celebration at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. A number of Olympic athletes, international sports federations leaders, and more than 200 senior sports journalists from around the world attended the ceremony.
Jointly organised by the International World Games Association (IWGA), TWG 2025 Chengdu Executive Committee, and AIPS, the programme will select 24 aspiring young reporters from five continents to cover the 12th edition of TWG from 7 to 17 August 2025 in Chengdu, China.
AIPS vice president Zsuzsa Csisztu highlighted that it is the first time that a young reporters programme has been introduced into The World Games. The initiative aims to foster friendship and deepen understanding among youth from different parts of the world.
Csisztu explained that the 24 participants will receive training from 10 experienced mentors throughout the 11-day games, offering them a unique opportunity to learn sports journalism while exploring Chengdu. “For them, it’s the best opportunity to see a multi-sport event from that close and to learn this very nice profession,” she added.
President Merlo highlighted the programme as an essential platform for young reporters to gain practical experience in sports journalism. Citing the success of the FISU-AIPS Young Reporters Programme taking place in Chengdu in 2023, Merlo remarked, “As we did last year during the World University Games, we will make a very good job.”
IOC member and pole vaulter legend Sergey Bubka remarked, “The Young reporters Programme is very important to share the knowledge, to guide the young generation, to prepare them to do this important job for sports and of course for the world.”
Adding to the excitement, the newly unveiled mascots for TWG 2025 Chengdu, the giant panda "Shubao" and golden snub-nosed monkey "Jinzai", made their international debut at the event, winning hearts and admiration.
Edited by Sang Yarong
