Bach outlined how both the IOC and the AIPS, which was founded two days before the opening of the Paris 1924 Olympic Games, share much in common, having both been founded in the same city and with the "same love for sport and the Olympics".

He added that he wished AIPS all the best for years to come, and that the IOC door will always be open for any questions, requests and ideas that they have.

But Bach, speaking in the presence of most of his colleagues on the IOC's ruling Executive Board on the eve of the announcement of the candidate cities for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games, also joked that he was reluctant to thank the organisation for their work.

This is because you should never thank journalists until you have seen what they have written, he joked

Bach's words followed a presentation by AIPS President Gianni Merlo in which he highlighted the history of the organisation from the very first meeting 90 years ago.

AIPS President Gianni Merlo shows an image of the very first AIPS meeting, on July 2 in 1924 ©ITG



In this time, AIPS has undertaken many tasks in addition to its basic aims, including inspecting the press facilities ahead of the Innsbruck 1964 Winter Olympics and a visit to Palestine to help improve the plight of sports journalists in a war-torn region.

Another more recent highlight took place at the 2012 AIPS Congress in Innsbruck, when a live press conference was held with tennis player Roger Federer via satellite from Melbourne as the Swiss star participated in the Australian Open.