KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian journalist and editor Haresh Deol has reached another milestone in his nearly three-decade career after co-editing the Routledge Handbook of Sports Diplomacy, the first comprehensive publication dedicated to examining the rapidly evolving field of sports diplomacy.
Haresh, the co-founder and editor of Kuala Lumpur-based news portal Twentytwo13, joined four internationally recognised experts in the field — Dr J. Simon Rofe, Dr Lindsay Krasnoff, Dr Thierry Zintz and Dr Richard Parrish — in editing the 412-page handbook.
In addition to his editorial role, Haresh authored a chapter titled “Commonwealth Games – Losing Glory: The Fallacy of Sports Diplomacy?”, which explores the relevance of the Commonwealth Games through both political and sporting lenses in today’s changing global landscape.
Led by Dr Rofe, one of the world’s leading scholars in sports diplomacy, the handbook brings together contributions from academics and practitioners across the globe. Work on the publication began in 2023, with the editorial team inviting experts to examine how sport continues to shape diplomacy and international relations.
The publication features 32 chapters covering the roles of governments, athletes, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and sports governing bodies at national, regional and global levels.
It also includes case studies on major sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, highlighting how sport influences diplomacy beyond the playing field.
Haresh said he was honoured to be part of an international editorial team comprising some of the biggest names in sports diplomacy.
“Simon, Lindsay, Thierry and Richard are huge names in the sports diplomacy realm. To be mentioned alongside them is already an honour,” said Haresh, who is also the deputy president of the National Press Club (NPC).
Haresh is the only editor from Asia involved in the publication, underscoring the growing recognition of Malaysia’s contribution to global discussions on sports diplomacy.
A multi-award-winning journalist, he has long advocated for sports diplomacy to play a greater role in Malaysia’s national and foreign policy agenda.
His expertise has earned him invitations to speak at several international platforms, including the US Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division’s World Learning International Sports Programming Initiative in May 2021.
He has also spoken at New York University’s Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport in March 2021 and participated in the University of London Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy’s 2020 discussion, “An Iconic Global Athlete as an Agent of Sports Diplomacy.”
Reflecting on the publication, Haresh said he was grateful that Malaysia had a voice in a work of such international significance.
“The fact that Simon saw it fit to have a voice from Asia, specifically Malaysia, says a lot. I am indeed grateful to be part of this really long but satisfying journey.
“I am also glad that Malaysians are being given due recognition by international experts,” he said.
The handbook’s cover was designed by Twentytwo13 creative editor Hanafiah Nordin.
Published by Routledge, the Routledge Handbook of Sports Diplomacy will be available worldwide from Aug 13. – August 5, 2026