FIMS participates at the international conference "Sport Integrity in Action: Building Trust in Fair Competition" in Hong Kong

The International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) joined global experts and key stakeholders today at the international conference "Sport Integrity in Action: Building Trust in Fair Competition", hosted by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).

This year's event was particularly significant as the full senior leadership of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)—its President, Vice President, and Director General—were all present, underscoring the importance of global collaboration to strengthen integrity in sport.

The conference also coincided with the National Games of China, the country's largest and most prestigious multi-sport event held every four years. Bringing together elite athletes from all provinces, municipalities, and special administrative regions, the National Games serve as a major platform for advancing high-performance sport and promoting national sporting excellence. The timing further emphasised the relevance of the conference's focus on clean sport, athlete protection, and integrity.

Organised by the Department of Sports and Health Sciences of the Academy of Wellness and Human Development at HKBU together with the University's Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine (CESAME), the conference was supported by WADA and FIMS.

The event gathered international experts, academics, medical professionals, and representatives from sport organisations to address global leadership in safeguarding sport integrity, athlete-centred strategies for clean competition, and the vital role of sports medicine in preventing inadvertent doping. Discussions also explored next-generation anti-doping measures, athletes' experiences with unintentional doping, and the long evolution from ancient fair-play ideals to modern commitments to clean sport.

FIMS leadership participation

Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President of FIMS, participated as one of the distinguished speakers, joining WADA President Mr Witold Bańka, WADA Vice President Dr Yang Yang, WADA Director General Mr Olivier Niggli, Prof. Li Zhiquan of the China Anti-Doping Agency, and leading figures from the Hong Kong sports community.

Prof. Yannis Pitsiladis, Director of CESAME at HKBU, Member of the FIMS Executive Committee, and Chair of the FIMS Scientific Commission, contributed alongside other experts and retired Olympians in panel discussions focusing on the protection of clean sport, ethics in sport and scientific innovation, and the advocacy efforts of clean athletes.

FIMS statement

"FIMS is pleased to support this high-level international dialogue on integrity in sport," said Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President of FIMS. "Medical professionals have a critical responsibility in protecting athletes, promoting clean sport, and advancing scientific innovation in ways that uphold ethics and trust. Today's discussions highlight the importance of collaboration between universities, international organisations, and the sports medicine community."

Commitment to global collaboration

FIMS remains committed to advancing sport integrity through international cooperation with organisations such as WADA, the International Olympic Committee, the World Health Organization, and innovative academic partners including HKBU and CESAME. Strengthening these partnerships supports the global mission of ensuring fair competition and safeguarding the wellbeing of athletes worldwide.

Group photo featuring WADA senior leadership, FIMS President Professor Fabio Pigozzi, Professor Yannis Pitsiladis (FIMS Executive Committee & Chair, FIMS Scientific Commission), leaders from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and senior academic leaders from HKBU.