The library and central archive of Paraguay’s National Congress has acquired a significant addition to its collections: the meticulously curated archives of Gustavo Adolfo Köhn Brizuela, commonly knows as Gustavo Köhn and widely regarded as the country’s most comprehensive multi-sports communicator.
The invaluable archives were donated by Köhn Brizuela’s direct descendants, who chose to entrust them to the National Congress for preservation and public access. The late journalist and broadcaster had personally compiled the materials over decades, reflecting his lifelong dedication to sports reporting.
The donation includes three large bound volumes of carefully selected newspaper clippings authored by Köhn Brizuela himself, covering basketball, boxing, and a range of multi-sport activities.
Who was Gustavo Köhn?
Gustavo Köhn (9 March, 1968 – 29 April, 2015), was a prominent Paraguayan sports journalist renowned as one of the most versatile communicators in multisports coverage in Paraguay. He began his career in 1987, excelling in reporting on non-traditional sports such as basketball, tennis, boxing, rugby, and Formula 1, and later served as head of the sports department at Canal 13, hosting the program “Deportes Punto Köhn”.
Köhn also held public roles, including positions in Paraguay’s National Sports Secretariat (SND) and as minister of the Secretariat of Information and Communication for Development (SICOM). He received the prestigious Paraná de Oro award in 2005 for his contributions to Paraguayan communication. After battling colon cancer, Köhn passed away in São Paulo, Brazil, and was widely honoured posthumously.
Extensive coverage of passionate sports
Gustavo Köhn’s greatest passions, alongside football, were basketball and boxing – disciplines that shaped his childhood and professional career. These two sports form the core of the donated archives, comprising an impressive 45 volumes in total.
The boxing collection spans 22 volumes, documenting the period from 1978 to 2000, while the basketball archive consists of 23 volumes covering 1988 to 2000. These bound works represent a detailed chronicle of Paraguayan and international sports during those eras.
In addition to the newspaper clippings, the donation features a selection of printed sports books from various disciplines that Köhn Brizuela treasured throughout his life. His extensive reading of these materials contributed to his reputation as one of the most knowledgeable journalists in the field.
Official ceremony marks the handover
The formal signing ceremony for the donation of the Gustavo Köhn Sports Archive collection was attended by congressional authorities, and members of the late broadcaster’s family. The event underscored the cultural and historical importance of preserving such a comprehensive record of Paraguay’s sporting heritage.
Also read about Carlos Martini, another respected en decorated Paraguayan journalist.
