"Need To Give Non-Cricket Sports Due Space And Strengthen Grassroots Talent"- MoS Raksha Khadse

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Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Sports Journalists Federation of India began. The event opened on Friday at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports attended the event. During the event, Smt. Raksha Khadse called for support for non-cricket sports.

The four-day SJFI National Convention is hosted by DSJA. It marks the event’s return to Delhi after over two decades. Organisers said the last Delhi edition was held 23 years earlier. More than 250 delegates are expected across the full programme.

Raksha Khadse stresses grassroots focus and media role

Smt Khadse praised sports journalists for promoting sports culture nationwide. She said, “The important role played by sports journalists is truly inspiring.” She stressed the need to promote talent at the grassroots level. She said their coverage gives new energy to Indian sports.

She explained that strong coverage guides youth towards sports careers. She urged greater space for non-cricket sports in media. She highlighted government plans on sports tourism and sports science careers. She called journalism the fourth pillar of democracy and vital. She said sports media helps project India’s soft power globally.

Khade also pressed for higher participation of women in sports media. She said their presence strengthens coverage and representation. Her address set the tone for the convention. Delegates included senior journalists, administrators, and officials from across India.

Dignitaries, honours and ceremonial start in Delhi

Sports Secretary Shri Hari Ranjan Rao attended the opening ceremony. Senior members of the sports journalism fraternity joined the gathering. Proceedings started with the traditional lighting of the lamp. Several leaders and contributors then received formal felicitation on stage.

DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi felicitated Smt Khadse during the function. DSJA Secretary Sabi Hussain honoured Shri Hari Ranjan Rao. SJFI President Saraju Chakraborty and Secretary V. Ramesh also joined. They presented ceremonial shawls to the chief guests in attendance.

In a reciprocal gesture, Smt Khadse honoured the SJFI leadership. Together, they felicitated state presidents and secretaries from affiliated bodies. These representatives had travelled from different regions across India. Ms. Nabanita Das of Jindal Steel was also honoured. She represented Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Mr. Naveen Jindal.

Launch of trophies and inter-zonal competition schedule

A main highlight was the unveiling of two convention trophies. Officials presented the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy. They also revealed the AC Bali Table Tennis Trophy. These trophies formally launched the competitive sports segment of the convention.

The draw for the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 was conducted. Two initial fixtures were confirmed: South versus East, and West versus North. DSJA President Tripathi, in his closing address, welcomed delegates. He thanked the Sports Ministry for support in hosting after 23 years.

Golden Jubilee significance for SJFI and Indian sports media

The SJFI National Convention is described as India’s top annual meet. It gathers sports journalists, administrators, policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders. The Golden Jubilee edition celebrates five decades of SJFI’s work. The body is recognised and affiliated to AIPS, the world association.

This edition honours 50 years of sports journalism and governance dialogue. It reflects SJFI’s role in national sports discourse and media growth. Over four days, delegates will discuss trends and issues. The Delhi gathering highlights the continued influence of sports media nationwide.