News

In collaboration with the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP), the HKSI successfully hosted The 16th ISSP World Congress – sponsored by Shine Tak Foundation from 8 to 12 December 2025, at the Henry Cheng International Conference Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The congress aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in sport psychology, promote the professional development of practitioners, and explore opportunities for enhanced global collaboration in the field. The event attracted around 600 overseas participants and 100 local participants, including sports psychologists, athletes, coaches, and sports professionals from more than 50 countries and regions.

Mr Tang King-shing GBS PDSM, Chairman of the HKSI, delivered opening remarks, emphasising that the congress provided a vital opportunity for exchanging ideas among a diverse international audience. He highlighted how insights shared during the event could foster a global impact through unique discussions on the perspectives and developments in sport psychology, athletes’ mental health and wellbeing. Dr Robert Schinke, President of the ISSP, expressed enthusiasm about the gathering, noting that the congress serves as an essential platform for collaboration among experts in sport psychology and related fields. Mr Lam Kwok-hing MH JP Honorary Consul, Chairman of the Shine Tak Foundation expressed strong support for the congress and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to support the youth and athletes.

Throughout the five-day congress, it featured a total of six keynote speeches, 16 parallel sessions, and four poster sessions, gathered over 470 scholars to exchange their research findings. Notable keynote speakers included Prof Diane Gill at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Prof Costas Karageorghis at Brunel University London, Prof Markus Raab at German Sport University Cologne, Prof Sit Hui-ping Cindy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof Stewart Vella at University of Wollongong and Prof Chris Wagstaff at University of Portsmouth.

The closing ceremony concluded with musical performances, by Mr Christian Benning and Prof Costas Karageorghis. Hon Cheng Wing-shun Vincent BBS MH JP, Vice-Chairman of the HKSI, expressed gratitude to all participants and partners for their contributions to the success of the congress, asserting that the connections formed will facilitate collaborative efforts across borders and promote growth in the sports community. Dr Robert Schinke and Dr Alessandro Quartiroli, the newly Elected President of ISSP also thanked attendees for their valuable insights and contributions, also expressed their excitement for the next ISSP World Congress, hosted by German Sport University Cologne, continuing the tradition of advancing the dialogue on sport psychology and strengthening international collaboration. Dr Charlie Ip, Executive Vice-Chairman of Shine Tak Foundation, expressed his pleasure in supporting such a prestigious congress and conveyed the enthusiasm for being part of this important event.

Special gratitude goes to the co-host organisers, Department of Sports Science and Physical Education of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Society of Sport and Exercise Psychology; title sponsor, Shine Tak Foundation; sponsor, Blue Pool Capital Limited; honorary supporting organisation, The Hong Kong Tourism Board; and all the supporting organisations.

This congress marks a significant step in advancing the theory and practical application of sport psychology, and the HKSI looks forward to building upon the insights gained to ensure a lasting impact on the future of the field.