Lausanne, Switzerland, January 3, 2024: The press facilities at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last year have been named among the best in the world by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
In an article posted January 2, AIPS commends the press facilities at the Hangzhou Asian Games, which took place from September 23 to October 8, 2023.
The Games attracted over 12,000 media, with a 50-50 split between press/photographers and broadcasters.
The Main Media Centre (MMC) was located in four exhibition halls of the Hangzhou International Expo Centre. The MMC incorporated the Main Press Centre (MPC) for reporters and photographers, the International Broadcast Centre for rights-holding broadcasters, the Host Broadcast Centre for China Media Group and the LIFE service centre for rest and relaxation.
The MPC general work area was comprised of 400 desks, banks of desk tops for general use, My Info terminals, private offices and press conference rooms.
The press facilities in the competition venues were also excellent, with working rooms, lounges, press conference rooms and mixed zones for the purpose of interviewing athletes immediately after competition.
AIPS’ top press facilities for a multi-sport event in 2023 were: Chengdu World University Games, Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin and Hangzhou Asian Games.
AIPS’ top press facilities for a single-sport event were: World Athletics Championships Budapest, FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Wimbledon Championships.
“This year, following what AIPS decided to do in 2022, we have divided press facilities that concern multi-sport events from those that concern single-sport championships,” AIPS said.
“With no further limitations after years under the Covid-19 pandemic, 2023 has been an exciting year for many sports journalists who experienced unforgettable championships and tournaments, underlining the unique feeling that only live sports events can give.”
AIPS organised 10 projects under its Young Reporters Programme catering for a record 106 young reporters.
“The Summer World University Games held in Chengdu, China, stood out as one of the most impressive editions ever in the history of the FISU Games. The Main Media Centre provided all necessities for sports journalists to feel at home and to guarantee optimal working conditions.
“Efficient services were guaranteed as well in Berlin, Germany, where the Special Olympics World Summer Games stood up as the largest inclusive multi-sports event that the world of sports has to offer, with proper logistics, info points and tools at the disposal of sports journalists to properly cover all events in Berlin and its surrounding areas.
“The AIPS poll also highlights the successful press operations of the Hangzhou Asian Games.”