Viareggio, Italy — İtalian- Turkish journalist Dündar Keşaplı has received a prestigious international journalism award in Italy for his contribution to promoting Italian sport in the global media.The award was presented at the Italia Sports Summit – USSI 80 in Viareggio, marking the 80th anniversary of the Italian Sports Journalists Association (USSI).
Organisers said Keşaplı was honoured for his reporting, interviews and analysis that have helped bring Italian sport to international audiences, particularly in the run-up to the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, set to take place in February.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keşaplı described sport as “a universal language that goes beyond competition” and highlighted the role of international media in shaping global understanding.
He said the Milan–Cortina Games would present Italy to the world not only through sport, but also through its culture, sustainability goals and winter sports heritage.
The two-day summit brought together leading figures from sport and journalism, including Paralympic champion Martina Caironi, former Juventus and AC Milan footballer Marco Borriello, European record-holder Filippo Tortu, Italian Coaches Association president Renzo Ulivieri, and Giancarlo Antonioni, a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team.
The event focused on the future of sports journalism and the growing role of international media ahead of major global sporting events.
