AIPS President Gianni Merlo honoured the late Petz Lahure during Luxembourg’s 2025 Sports Press Awards Night, marking an emotional first edition without the long-serving sportspress.lu president.
Luxembourg | By AIPSMedia
The Luxembourg Sports Press Awards Night took on added significance this year as the ceremony paid tribute to Petz Lahure, the former president of SportsPress. Lu, who passed away in July at the age of 79. Lahure led the organisation for 27 years and remained a defining figure in Luxembourg’s sports media community.
AIPS President Gianni Merlo attended as a guest of honour and presented a commemorative trophy to Marie Paule Schock, Lahure’s partner, in recognition of his legacy and service. Merlo also engaged with Luxembourgish media and met with the newly elected president of Sportspress. Lu, Christelle Diederich, to discuss future collaboration between AIPS and the national association.
The annual gala celebrated the country’s top athletes and teams, with sprinter Patrizia Van der Weken winning Best Sportswoman for the third consecutive year with 446 points. Triathlete Jeanne Lehair and cyclist Marie Schreiber finished second and third.
In the men’s category, Ruben Querinjean, a 3000m steeplechase specialist, claimed Best Sportsman with 446 points, ahead of show jumper Victor Bettendorf (156 points) and football goalkeeper Anthony Moris (144 points).
The women’s national football team earned Team of the Year honours for the first time with 397 points, surpassing last year’s winners, the women’s basketball team. The Davis Cup squad placed third with 191 points.
Athletics coach Arnaud Starck was named Coach of the Year for the second year running, while women’s football coach Dan Santos and national cycling coach Jempy Drucker followed.
Additional honours included:
- Lea Tonus (archery) and Enzo Duarte (football) – Young Hope Challenge
- Petz Lahure – Honorary Award
- Luka Mladenovic (table tennis) – Fair Play Award
- Jemp Moura (trail running) – Ultrasport Award
- Liz Conzemius (tennis for visually impaired) – Sport and Disability Award
The event drew an audience of 650 people and was broadcast live across multiple platforms, underscoring its place as one of Luxembourg’s signature sporting ceremonies.
Petz Lahure was instrumental in shaping the professional identity of sportspress.lu and strengthening its relationship with AIPS. His leadership spanned nearly three decades, during which he championed journalist rights, international cooperation, and the development of sports media in Luxembourg. journalists