Gitika Talukdar, a distinguished senior sports journalist and photographer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by being directly accredited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cover the Paris Olympic Games 2024. This historic event, scheduled from July 26, 2024, will witness Gitika as the first and only female photographer from India to receive such direct accreditation, underscoring her remarkable contributions to sports journalism.
A Trailblazer in Sports Journalism
Gitika Talukdar, based in Guwahati, Assam, has made history by being one of the few female photographers globally to receive direct accreditation from the IOC. This recognition comes under the directly accredited organization category, highlighting the IOC’s commitment to promoting women journalists and young reporters in sports media. Gitika’s journey reflects the Olympic motto for this year, “Games Wide Open,” symbolizing inclusivity, equal opportunity, and broad audience engagement.
Gitika’s Gratitude and Vision
In a press release, Gitika expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “It’s an honor and privilege to receive accreditation from the IOC to cover the Paris Olympic Games 2024. I am grateful for their generous decision, which encourages me to work even harder.” She emphasized the importance of such encouragement in boosting women’s leadership qualities, which are essential for societal progress. Gitika’s dedication to her craft and her visionary approach make her a true inspiration for aspiring female journalists.
A Stellar Career in Sports Journalism
Gitika Talukdar’s career in journalism spans an impressive 19 years, during which she has worked with leading publications in India and abroad. Her portfolio includes coverage of major sports events such as the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France, Russia FIFA World Cup 2018, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in London, Indian Premier League series, Commonwealth Games, and South Asian Games.
Education and Expertise
Gitika holds a master’s degree in Sports Management from the prestigious Seoul National University in South Korea, earned through a scholarship from the Ministry of Sports, Republic of South Korea, in 2020. Her academic background, combined with her extensive field experience, positions her as a leading figure in sports journalism and photography.
Covering the Tokyo Olympics 2020
Gitika’s journey to the Paris Olympics is not her first encounter with the world’s greatest sporting event. She previously covered the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in Japan during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite numerous media outlets declining to attend Tokyo, Gitika bravely covered numerous sports events, taking significant risks to bring the spirit of the Olympics to her audience. Her resilience and commitment during the Tokyo Olympics set a precedent for her upcoming coverage in Paris.
Heading to Paris 2024
Gitika Talukdar will fly to Paris on July 23, 2024, to cover the Olympic and Paralympic multi-sport events at various locations. Her participation will join the global media diaspora in capturing the grandeur of the Paris Olympic Games. Her presence as an accredited journalist-photographer will not only add to the diversity of the media coverage but also inspire countless women to pursue careers in sports journalism.
Positive Takeaway
Gitika Talukdar’s direct accreditation by the IOC to cover the Paris Olympics 2024 is a testament to her dedication, talent, and pioneering spirit. As the first Indian female journalist-photographer to achieve this honor, she sets a remarkable example for future generations. Gitika’s journey from Guwahati to Paris symbolizes the power of perseverance and the impact of women in sports media. Her story is not just about covering the Olympics but also about breaking barriers and paving the way for more women to enter and excel in the field of sports journalism.
