Cuttack: Odisha Sports Journalists’ Association (OSJA) members celebrated Monday, the ‘World Sports Journalists’ Day’ at the Barabati Stadium here. Gracing the occasion as chief guest was 72-year-old international marathon runner Vivekananda Tripathy. During his speech he hailed the journalists’ efforts to bring many sportspersons into limelight.
“So many emerging sportspersons including sprint queen Dutee Chand are the byproducts of quality sports journalism. The sports journalists of the state also supported Dutee on her hard days,” he said.
However he rued the lack of sports culture in the state. “Parents should encourage their children to take up sports. In this respect media and particularly sports journalism have a great role to play,” added Vivekananda, who was felicitated for his contribution to development of marathon running in Odisha.
“I have a fixed deposit of Rs 1,00,000 from my pensions. The interests earned from it, I give it to the state marathon champion every year. I request all the sportspersons to come up with innovative ideas to encourage the promising sportspersons in their respective disciplines,” he further added.
Football Association of Odisha (FAO) vice-president Bhakta Ballav Das was also present during the function. He urged the state government to provide for proper infrastructure for the development of the game.
Speaking on the occasion OSJA secretary, Sanatan Pani informed that OSJA will conduct a workshop for the young sports journalists for the upcoming Hockey World Cup in to be played in the Odisha in November.