A rare opportunity for aspiring sports reporters unfolded at the Bangladesh Olympic Association Auditorium on Friday as Gameplify hosted a comprehensive workshop titled “Sports Journalism for Beginners: Stories, Skills, and the Energy of the Game.” The event brought together industry veterans and hundreds of young enthusiasts seeking to enter the fast-growing world of sports journalism.
Scheduled from morning to late afternoon, the programme immersed participants in various aspects of the profession—ranging from field reporting to feature writing and digital-era media practices. With more than 500 registrations, the organisers were compelled to select only 170 participants through a lottery system to ensure a focused and interactive learning environment. Additional viewers joined online to follow the sessions.
The workshop opened with discussions on how sports journalism has evolved both globally and within Bangladesh. Speakers explained how print, television, and digital media have redefined coverage formats but reiterated that the essence of sports journalism—credibility, observation, and compelling narrative—remains unchanged.
Veteran sports editor Dulal Mahmud delivered one of the key sessions, outlining how the profession has gained prestige in recent decades. Once overlooked as a niche field, sports journalism is now one of the most dynamic sectors in Bangladesh’s media industry, he noted. Newspapers, websites, and TV channels have expanded their sports desks, recognising the growing audience demand.
Instructor Noman Mohammad contributed valuable insights on writing techniques, advising participants to craft their reports like stories with clear direction. His message centred on creativity: that a well-structured beginning and end helps shape the entire narrative. He also asked young journalists to nurture their passion for sports, as enthusiasm often determines the depth and authenticity of reporting.
Television journalist Rezwan Uz Zaman Rajib emphasised that verifying information is one of the biggest challenges in a fast-paced news environment. Unlike print media, TV journalists face time limits and must be concise while ensuring accuracy. Rajib called on future reporters to practice cross-checking every piece of information, particularly during live coverage or high-profile events.
A highlight of the workshop was a reflective talk by senior journalist and former editor Mostofa Mamun, who urged newcomers to value field reporting above all else. He argued that genuine sports journalism happens in the stadium—not from a screen. Reporters must witness the match environment firsthand to produce authentic insights, he said.
Representatives from Gameplify shared future plans for advancing sports media education in Bangladesh. CEO Mahfuzur Rahman spoke about the platform’s ambition to build a trustworthy global community for sports lovers. Founder Moshiur Rahman, in a video message, expressed enthusiasm about hosting more workshops that blend technology with human storytelling.
Participants ended the day with a quiz competition, after which certificates were awarded. The organisers believe the programme successfully energised the next generation of sports reporters, sparking new aspirations among Bangladesh’s youth.