Gitika Talukdar Becomes the Only Indian Photographer to Cover Paris Olympics 2024

Indian photojournalist receives direct accreditation from the International Olympic Committee, showcasing dedication to sports journalism

Gitika Talukdar, a distinguished sports journalist and photographer, has made history as the only Indian photographer directly accredited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cover the Paris Olympic Games 2024. Scheduled from July 26, 2024, the Paris Olympics will witness Gitika's expert lens capturing the event, thanks to the IOC's initiative to promote women in sports journalism and photography. This recognition places her among a select few globally and underscores her significant contributions to the field.

Based in Guwahati, Gitika is the first and only female photographer from India to receive this prestigious accreditation under the directly accredited organization category, highlighting the IOC's commitment to fostering female journalists and young reporters. Expressing her gratitude in a press release, Gitika stated, "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 this year's Olympic motto, "Games Wide Open," which represents inclusivity and equal opportunity, resonating with her belief in boosting women's leadership qualities for societal progress.

This marks Gitika's second opportunity to cover the Olympic Games, having previously reported from the Tokyo Olympics 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges and risks, she bravely covered numerous sports events when many media outlets chose to stay away. With a journalism career spanning 19 years, Gitika has worked with leading publications in India and abroad, covering 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.

Gitika holds a master's degree in Sports Management from Seoul National University in South Korea, earned through a scholarship from the Ministry of Sports, Republic of South Korea, in 2020. Currently pursuing a Master's in Global Sports Management and conducting research on Gender Inequalities in Sports Media at Seoul National University, Gitika's academic background further enhances her credentials.

Her passion for photography was inspired by her grand uncle, Late Chandra Talukdar, a renowned filmmaker. Gitika began her career with a photo news agency, contributing to local media before transitioning to sports journalism. Over the past 16 years, she has captured some of the most memorable moments in sports, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.

Gitika's most prestigious career highlight was covering the FIFA World Cup 2018, where she was the only female photojournalist from Northeast India. She has also covered events like the National Games 2007, Commonwealth Games 2010, IPL Series from 2013 to present, ISL Series from 2014 to present, FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, AFP Cup 2019, South Asian Games 2016, India-Pakistan Leagues, and ICC Women’s World Cup.

Gitika Talukdar will join the global media diaspora in Paris on July 23, ready to cover the Olympic and Paralympic multi-sport events, bringing her unique perspective to one of the world's grandest sporting stages.

Reference:

www.sportskeeda.com