LAHORE (PNP Special) – In the world of sports, while athletes often enjoy the limelight, a crucial segment works tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate both players and games to national and international platforms. These unsung heroes are sports journalists and photojournalists, whose role is pivotal in shaping public perception, highlighting talent, and pushing sports into mainstream conversations. The World Sports Journalists Day celebrated on Wednesday, 02nd July, 2025, at the Lahore Press Club, organized jointly with the Pakistan Sports Journalists Federation, served as a timely reminder of the indispensable contributions of these media professionals.
Theme 2025: Championing Fair Play
- The official theme for World Sports Journalists Day: “Championing Fair Play: Reporting with Integrity and Impact”
- This theme emphasizes the ethical responsibility of sports journalists to deliver truthful, unbiased, and value-driven content. It serves as a call to inspire integrity in reporting while upholding the spirit of fair play in all aspects of sports coverage.
The Event: A Celebration of Commitment
The event held at Lahore Press Club brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—reporters, photographers, club officials, and federation leaders—all united by one cause: recognition and support for sports media professionals. Secretary of Lahore Press Club, Zahid Abid, emphasized that in today’s world, sports journalism is not just about reporting scores or covering matches—it is a driving force behind the evolution of sports as a global industry.
“Sports activities today have transformed into a full-fledged industry. The Lahore Press Club stands ready to support all initiatives that aim to promote sports and empower sports journalists,” said Zahid Abid.
From Grassroots to Glory: The Role of Media
President of the Pakistan Sports Journalists Federation, Mohammad Iqbal Harper, highlighted a very important reality—while clubs and local associations may give a platform to young talent, it is sports journalism that turns a local athlete into a national star.
“You cannot underestimate the journalist’s role in a player’s journey from grassroots to glory. Our federation will continue its efforts to promote lesser-known sports and ensure maximum coverage for rising athletes,” he emphasized in his address at Lahore Press Club.
Journalists do more than just document performances; they build narratives, humanize athletes, and influence public opinion, encouraging governments and sponsors to invest in talent. Without their efforts, many athletes would remain in obscurity.
Photographers: The Silent Storytellers
Imran Sheikh, Joint Secretary of Lahore Press Club and Executive Member of the Federation, brought attention to another equally significant group—sports photojournalists. Often standing for hours under the sun, capturing the perfect shot, and rarely appearing in bylines, these professionals provide the visual storytelling that brings energy, drama, and emotion to sports coverage.
“The services and untiring efforts of sports journalists and photojournalists cannot be ignored. Our sports institutions must go beyond symbolic gestures and offer genuine support,” said Imran Sheikh.
A Call for Institutional Support
A consistent message throughout the event was the need for institutional and organizational support. It was reiterated that symbolic celebrations and statements are not enough. Actual infrastructure, training programs, recognition platforms, and financial incentives are required to uplift this essential profession.
Pakistan’s sports journalists work under challenging conditions—low wages, lack of insurance, limited access to modern equipment, and often, without editorial support for sports content. Yet, they persist. Why? Because they believe in the power of sports to unite and uplift a nation.
Collective Appreciation and Acknowledgement
Mohammad Babar, Secretary of the Pakistan Sports Journalists Federation, extended heartfelt thanks to those who made the event successful—especially Lahore Press Club’s Zahid Abid, Finance Secretary Salik Nawaz, and Joint Secretary Imran Sheikh. Their logistical and moral support made the ceremony a meaningful gathering of purpose-driven individuals.
Also present were notable personalities including:
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Mohammad Qaiser Chauhan, Secretary of Information – PSJF
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Sadiqat Mughal, Vice President – Association of Photojournalists Lahore
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Murtaza Ali, Secretary Information
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Yaqub Aziz, Executive Body Member
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Naeem Abbas, Reuters Video Cameraman (Punjab Region)
Their presence at Lahore Press Club was not just ceremonial but reflected a shared mission of unity, professionalism, and recognition in the media space.
The Need for Policy Frameworks and Investment
The current state of sports journalism in Pakistan is ripe for reform. Government bodies and private stakeholders need to collaborate to:
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Establish journalism grants and scholarships for aspiring sports reporters.
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Create dedicated sports media wings within major sports bodies for official collaboration.
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Offer insurance, safety, and pension plans for veteran journalists.
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Organize national awards recognizing excellence in sports journalism and photography.
Such steps will ensure a robust and professional ecosystem where journalists can continue to support sports, without worrying about sustainability.
Sports Journalism: A National Asset
Just as sports foster national pride and identity, sports journalists act as cultural diplomats, conveying Pakistan’s athletic talent to the world. From cricket grounds in Multan to kabaddi fields in Faisalabad, from hockey arenas to martial arts competitions—no game reaches the public consciousness without the tireless efforts of a journalist or a photographer.
Their commitment not only boosts athlete morale but also promotes interprovincial harmony, youth engagement, and gender inclusion by highlighting women’s sports and regional events.
Recognize, Respect, and Reward
The message from the World Sports Journalists Day event, held at Lahore Press Club, was clear: sports journalists and photojournalists are essential to the sports ecosystem. Without them, stories remain untold, stars remain hidden, and games go unnoticed. If Pakistan aspires to excel in the international sporting arena, it must first invest in those who tell its sporting stories.
Let this not just be a one-day celebration. Let it mark the beginning of policy changes, cultural appreciation, and structured support for those who dedicate their lives to making others shine.
