World Sports Journalists Day: Sports Min Mandaviya, Jay Shah hail media's 'invaluable' contributions
New Delhi, July 2
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah on Thursday extended their wishes to the sports media fraternity on the occasion of World Sports Journalists Day, recognising the invaluable contribution of journalists in promoting sport, celebrating athletes' achievements and connecting millions of fans with sporting action across the globe.
Observed annually on July 2, World Sports Journalists Day honours the efforts of sports journalists, photographers, broadcasters and digital content creators who chronicle sporting events and bring stories from the field to audiences worldwide. The day was instituted by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in 1994 to mark the 70th anniversary of the organisation, which was founded on July 2, 1924, during the Paris Olympic Games in France.
Mandaviya highlighted the importance of sports journalists in India's rapidly evolving sporting landscape. He described the media as vital partners in the country's sporting journey, crediting journalists for celebrating achievements, identifying and highlighting emerging talent, and inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence.
The Sports Minister further said the hard work, dedication and professional integrity displayed by members of the sports media fraternity continue to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem.
"Sports journalists are vital partners in India's sporting journey, celebrating achievements, highlighting talent, and inspiring the next generation of athletes. On World Sports Journalists Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the entire sports media fraternity. Your hard work, dedication, and professional integrity continue to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem. Happy World Sports Journalists Day!" he posted on X.
In a message posted on X, Jay Shah praised the dedication and passion of sports journalists, saying their work goes beyond reporting results and scores. He acknowledged that sports journalists play a key role in informing fans, inspiring future generations and strengthening the global sporting ecosystem by bringing compelling stories of athletes, teams and competitions to life.
"On World Sports Journalists Day, I extend my appreciation to sports journalists around the world whose dedication and passion bring the stories of sport to life. Your commitment to informing, inspiring, and connecting fans plays a vital role in the growth of sport globally. Thank you for your invaluable contribution," Shah wrote.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While it's good that the minister and ICC chairman are acknowledging the media's role, I hope this isn't just lip service. Many sports journalists in smaller towns and for regional languages still struggle with low pay and lack of job security. The real test of 'valuing' them would be better working conditions and fair wages. 🤔
Well said by both Mandaviya and Shah. As someone who follows multiple sports, I can say that good journalism adds so much context and depth. The way Indian sports journalists covered our Olympic golds and the rise of young talent in cricket has been truly world-class. Keep it up!
Would love to see more coverage of sports beyond cricket though. Our kabaddi players, hockey heroes, and even the chess champs deserve more spotlight. The media has the power to shape what becomes popular and what doesn't. Let's use this day to reflect on being more inclusive in sports reporting. 🏑♟️
As a former sports journalist, this day brings back memories. The adrenaline of breaking news, the deadlines, the late nights—it's all worth it when you see an athlete's story inspire millions. But the industry needs more investment in training and infrastructure. Hope the sports ministry walks the talk! 🙏
The recognition from top officials is commendable. Sports journalists often work behind the scenes and their impact on building passion for sports in a cricket-crazy nation like India cannot be overstated. The way they covered Neeraj Chopra's journey or the women's cricket team's rise is proof of their dedication. Happy World Sports Journalists Day!