ICSSPE Delivers Keynote Address at the ISHPES Congress 2026 in Taiwan
From 18–21 August 2026, the annual Congress of the International Society for the History of Sport and Physical Education (ISHPES) took place at National Taiwan Normal University in Taiwan.
The ISHPES Congress 2026 brought together more than 100 researchers from over 20 countries, providing an international platform for exchange, discussion, and research on the history of sport and physical education.
National Taiwan Normal University previously hosted the ISHPES Congress in 2013. This year, the university welcomed the international ISHPES community once again under the leadership of Congress Chair Prof. Dr Mei-Chun Lin.
A Long-Standing Partnership Between ICSSPE and ISHPES
ISHPES is a long-standing member of ICSSPE, and the two organisations have maintained a close relationship over many years.
This connection was particularly visible during this year’s Congress, with representatives of ICSSPE contributing to the academic programme and receiving recognition for their work in the field of sport history.
ICSSPE President Delivers Keynote Address
Prof. Dr Annette R. Hofmann, President of ICSSPE, delivered a keynote address entitled:
“She Was Her Own Man: Liselott Diem, an International Advocate for Women’s Sport and Physical Activity”
Her keynote explored the life and contribution of Liselott Diem, a significant figure in the international development of women’s sport and physical activity.
Liselott Diem, the wife of renowned sports politician Carl Diem, made important contributions to international sport organisations during her career. She served as President of the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women (IAPESGW) from 1965 to 1981. In addition, she became a member of the ICSSPE Council in 1965.
Prof. Hofmann’s keynote therefore highlighted an important part of the history shared by the international sport, physical education and women’s sport movements.
Recognition for Prof. Keiko Ikeda
The Congress also marked an important achievement for Prof. Keiko Ikeda, member of the ICSSPE Development Board, who received an ISHPES Award in recognition of her outstanding academic work in sport history.
Prof. Ikeda also delivered a keynote entitled:
“The Itinerary to Explore Headwaters of the New Left’s Cultural Studies and the History of Physical Education and Sport until 2026”
The recognition reflects her significant academic contribution to the study and understanding of sport history.
Strengthening International Academic Cooperation
ICSSPE congratulates Prof. Keiko Ikeda on receiving this distinction and thanks ISHPES and National Taiwan Normal University for bringing together researchers and experts from across the world.
The participation of ICSSPE representatives at the ISHPES Congress 2026 once again demonstrates the importance of collaboration between international organisations, researchers and academic institutions in advancing knowledge and strengthening dialogue across sport, physical education and related fields.
