The Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention began in New Delhi on Friday with a strong call for greater attention to non-cricket sports and the strengthening of grassroots sporting ecosystems across the country.
Addressing the gathering at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, emphasised the importance of broadening India’s sporting narrative beyond cricket and nurturing young talent at the grassroots level.
The four-day convention, hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA), marks the return of the prestigious annual gathering to the national capital after more than two decades. The event brings together over 250 sports journalists, administrators, athletes, and policymakers, making it one of the most influential forums for discussions around sports development in India.
Call for Greater Focus on Non-Cricket Sports
In her keynote address, Smt. Khadse highlighted the need for Indian sport to give equal prominence to disciplines beyond cricket. While acknowledging cricket’s popularity, she stressed that many other sports in India deserve recognition and consistent media coverage.
“There is a need to give non-cricket sports their due space and recognition,” she said. “We must also focus on strengthening talent at the grassroots level so that young athletes across the country can find opportunities to grow and succeed.”
Her remarks resonated strongly with the gathering of sports journalists, many of whom have long advocated for greater visibility for Olympic and non-cricket sports in mainstream coverage.
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Khadse also praised the role of sports journalists in building India’s sporting culture. According to her, media coverage has the power to influence participation levels, inspire young athletes, and shape public perception about different sports.
“The important role played by sports journalists in promoting sports culture is truly inspiring,” she said. “Through your work, you give new energy to sports. The way you cover sports helps people understand how they can move forward in sport and how the younger generation can be encouraged to participate.”
She emphasised that responsible and diverse sports coverage helps identify new heroes and promotes disciplines that may otherwise remain underrepresented.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to promote sports development, Khadse spoke about initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for athletes and strengthening India’s sports ecosystem. She pointed to the increasing focus on sports tourism, improved training infrastructure, and the emergence of career paths in areas such as sports science, sports management, and sports analytics.
According to the minister, the growth of these sectors reflects the evolving nature of the sports industry in India. “Sports today is not limited only to playing,” she noted. “There are many career opportunities in sports science, technology, and management, and these areas must be promoted so that young people see sport as a viable profession.”
Sports Media as a Tool of Soft Power
During her address, Khadse also underlined the role of sports journalism in projecting India’s image globally. She described journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy, adding that sports media plays an important role in highlighting India’s achievements on the international stage. “Sports journalism contributes to the nation’s soft power,” she said. “By telling the stories of our athletes and competitions, you help the world understand India’s sporting journey.”
She also encouraged greater participation of women in sports journalism, calling for more inclusive representation within the field.
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The opening ceremony of the Golden Jubilee convention was attended by several senior figures from the sports and media fraternity, including Sports Secretary Shri Hari Ranjan Rao. The event began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising the start of the four-day gathering.
DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi felicitated Smt. Raksha Khadse, while DSJA Secretary Sabi Hussain honoured Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao during the ceremony. Senior members of the SJFI leadership, including President Saraju Chakraborty and Secretary V. Ramesh, also felicitated the chief guests with ceremonial shawls.
In a reciprocal gesture, Khadse honoured the SJFI President and Secretary, before joining the organisation’s leadership in recognising the state presidents and secretaries of affiliated sports journalists’ associations from across India.
The ceremony also included a felicitation for Ms. Nabanita Das, AGM – Corporate Communications at Jindal Steel, who was honoured on behalf of Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal. Another highlight of the evening was the unveiling of two trophies that will feature in the convention’s sporting competitions the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy and the AC Bali Table Tennis Trophy.
The draw for the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Tournament was also conducted, producing two exciting fixtures: South vs East and West vs North. These friendly competitions are a long-standing tradition of the SJFI convention, promoting camaraderie among sports journalists from different regions of the country.
A Historic Golden Jubilee Edition
The SJFI National Convention 2026 holds special significance as it marks 50 years of the Sports Journalists Federation of India. Over the past five decades, SJFI has played a central role in shaping sports journalism in India, providing a platform for discussion on sports governance, athlete welfare, and the growth of sporting disciplines.
Recognised by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), SJFI represents the voice of Indian sports journalists on the global stage. In his closing remarks, DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi reflected on the challenges and efforts involved in organising the convention in Delhi after a gap of 23 years.
“When we were asked to host the SJFI Convention in Delhi, we kept thinking about how to bring everyone together after such a long time,” he said. “The support we received from the Sports Ministry helped us overcome many obstacles.” As the four-day convention continues, it is expected to feature discussions, seminars, and sporting events that celebrate the contribution of sports journalists while exploring new ideas for the future of Indian sport.
At the heart of the opening ceremony, however, remained a powerful message that the growth of Indian sport depends on greater recognition for non-cricket disciplines and stronger grassroots development, a vision echoed by both policymakers and the media community gathered in New Delhi.
