Union Minister Raksha Khadse Advocates for Non-Cricket Sports and Grassroots Development
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse delivered a powerful address at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Sports Journalists Federation of India's National Convention, held at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. In her thought-provoking speech, she highlighted the critical need to provide non-cricket sports with their due space and recognition while strengthening talent at the grassroots level.
Emphasis on Grassroots Development and Media's Role
Addressing a gathering of sports journalists and dignitaries, Khadse praised the vital role played by sports journalists in promoting a robust sports culture across India. "The important role played by sports journalists in promoting sports culture is truly inspiring," she stated. "There's a need to promote talent at the grassroots level. Through your work, you are giving new energy to sports."
She further elaborated that comprehensive media coverage helps the public understand how to advance in sports and encourages younger generations to participate actively. Khadse underscored that journalism, as the fourth pillar of democracy, is essential for advancing social good, with sports media playing a pivotal role in projecting India's soft power on the global stage.
Government Initiatives and Emerging Opportunities
During her address, the minister emphasized the necessity of creating more space for non-cricket sports while outlining various government initiatives aimed at fostering sports tourism and opening new career paths in emerging fields such as sports science. She also called for greater participation of women in sports journalism and related fields, highlighting inclusivity as a key component of sports development.
The four-day convention, hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association, marked the prestigious event's return to the national capital after more than two decades. According to a press release, the gathering brought together key stakeholders from the sports and media sectors to discuss and strategize on the future of Indian sports.
Ceremonial Highlights and Dignitaries
The opening ceremony featured several notable dignitaries, including Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and senior members of the sports journalism fraternity. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by a series of felicitation ceremonies:
- DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi felicitated Minister Raksha Khadse.
- DSJA Secretary Sabi Hussain honored Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.
- SJFI President Saraju Chakraborty and Secretary V. Ramesh presented ceremonial shawls to the chief guests.
In a reciprocal gesture, Khadse felicitated the SJFI President and Secretary before joining them to honor state presidents and secretaries representing affiliated sports journalists' associations from across the country. Nabanita Das, AGM of Corporate Communications at Jindal Steel, was also felicitated on behalf of Lok Sabha MP Naveen Jindal.
Launch of Competitive Sporting Events
A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy and the AC Bali Table Tennis Trophy, formally launching the competitive sporting segment of the convention. The draw for the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Tournament was conducted, setting up two exciting matches:
- South vs East
- West vs North
Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
Delivering the closing address, DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi welcomed the delegates and dignitaries, reflecting on the challenges of organizing the convention in Delhi after 23 years. "When we were asked to convene the SJFI Convention in Delhi, we kept thinking about how to do it after 23 years and how to bring everyone together," he said. "The support we received from the Sports Ministry helped us overcome many obstacles and move forward."
The event underscored a collective commitment to diversifying India's sports landscape, enhancing grassroots development, and leveraging media to foster a more inclusive and competitive sporting environment.
