In Memoriam: Prof. em. Dr. phil. Dr. h.c. Herbert Haag, M.S.
A Legacy of Vision, Scholarship, and Humanity in Comparative Physical Education and Sport Science
The International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES) mourns the passing of one of its most esteemed founding figures and lifelong torchbearers, Prof. em. Herbert Haag, M.S With his departure, we have lost a visionary academic, a mentor to many, a global advocate for peace and education through sport, and a beloved friend whose legacy will continue to shape our field for generations to come.
A former President of ISCPES (1986–1988) and Professor Emeritus at the University of Kiel, Germany, Prof. Haag was internationally renowned for his commitment to integrating sport, education, and human development through a comparative lens. His life’s work was underpinned by a profound belief in four core dimensions of human behavior: movement, cognition, affection, and belief (spirituality)—a framework that formed the foundation of his educational philosophy.
A man of action and intellect, Prof. Haag received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Leipzig (2002) and an honorary professorship from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (2011). He established the Herbert Haag Sport Information Centre in Pretoria and donated more than 2,700 books to support global sport education. His scholarly contributions—published in German, English, Spanish, and Chinese—enriched international discourse on sport methodology, research, and comparative education.
His theoretical lens—articulated through the Kiel Model of Research Methodology (KMRM)—continues to inform academic rigor in sport science research, seamlessly integrating qualitative and quantitative paradigms through a holistic, systems-oriented approach.
At the 21st Biennial ISCPES Conference in Kerala, India (2023)—his final keynote—Prof. Haag once again inspired the global community with a visionary message centered on peace, social responsibility, and global-local synergy. He outlined a roadmap for the future of ISCPES, emphasizing:
- Expanding institutional membership;
- Establishing a tiered, globally-connected structure;
- Embracing both digital and analogue strategies;
- Developing regional in-service training programs; and
- Promoting a realistic and humane understanding of human behavior through sport.
In his own words, he challenged us to “think globally and act locally,” invoking the Olympic ideal of holistic human development, rooted in fairness, peace, and mutual understanding.
A Global Outpouring of Tribute and Remembrance
In the days following his passing, friends and colleagues from around the world shared heartfelt tributes—testaments to the profound impact Prof. Haag had on their lives and on the international sport and academic community:
Prof (PhD) Rosa López de D’Amico
Prof. Herbert Haag was more than a scholar—he was my mentor, guide, and friend. His wisdom shaped my academic path, and his unwavering support gave me the confidence to grow in this field. He always had a special place in his heart for me, and I will forever carry his teachings and his spirit with me.
His belief in the human being as a unity of movement, thought, emotion, and belief was not just his philosophy—it was how he lived. Prof. Haag leaves behind a legacy of compassion, vision, and academic brilliance that will continue to inspire generations.
Pedro Guedes de Carvalho (Portugal), Former ISCPES President:
“What a shame. RIP Prof Herbert.”
John E. Saunders (Australia), Former ISCPES President:
“He was my first international mentor. I remember him as a great friend who made an inspiring contribution to our field and through it—to his ambitions for a better world. Vale, Professor Herbert.”
Beatriz Ferreira (Brazil), ISCPES, ICSSPE, and IAPESGW:
“Herbert Haag did significant work for many areas in Physical Education and Sport.”
Dr. G. Kishore (India), ISCPES Vice President:
“With profound sorrow and grief, I express my sincere condolences for the loss of a remarkable soul. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Walter Ho (China/Japan), Former ISCPES President:
“Herbert Haag was the first life member of ISCPES. He entered my life when I was still a PhD student. I first met him in 1996 at the ISCPES Biennial Conference in Tokyo. We visited Mt. Fuji together, and that memory remains precious. His contributions to methodology, his kindness, and his unwavering support during difficult times for ISCPES have deeply influenced me. I will forever cherish his mentorship and warmth—from Tokyo to Berlin to Goa. Though this is sad news, Herbert leaves behind countless sweet memories that will continue to inspire us.”
Prof. Usha Nair (India), ISCPES Secretary:
“I feel truly honored to have had the opportunity to communicate with him online. His wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to the field deeply inspired me. His legacy will continue to guide and uplift future generations.”
Dr. Darlene A. Kluka (USA), ICSSPE and IAPESGW:
“Such stature of a man… someone who represented all that was good with Germany and all that was pure of heart in our collective professions. May his soul rest in peace. His devotion to and care of his wife, Renatta, was phenomenal.”
Rosa Diketmüller (Austria), IAPESGW President:
“Herbert was indeed a great supporter of ISCPES, and a global player in the international arena of sport science and physical education.”
Ken Hardman (England), Former ISCPES President:
“He was a friend, colleague, and mentor of the highest order.”
To his colleagues, he was often affectionately known as the “Grandfather of ISCPES”—a title he wore with humility, humour, and pride. He mentored countless students and scholars, generously opened doors for dialogue and collaboration, and believed deeply in the power of comparative study to advance not only academic knowledge but global human understanding.
Prof. Herbert Haag’s lifelong commitment to education, ethics, global cooperation, and inclusive sport stands as a beacon for present and future generations of ISCPES members. As we carry forward the mission he so passionately nurtured, we honour his legacy by upholding the values he embodied and so eloquently expressed.
Rest in peace, Professor Haag.
Your vision lives on—in the pages of our journals, the corridors of learning, and the hearts of all those you inspired.
International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES)
www.iscpes.net
