NEW DELHI, October 7, 2024 — The Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI), in association with its affiliate, Delhi Sports Journalists’ Association (DSJA), felicitated Kewal Kaushik, K. Datta, and C.S. Ramachandran in recognition of their services in the field of sports reporting. The momentous occasion was held on October 5 in collaboration with the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium.
The ceremony witnessed the presentation of special SJFI medals and citations to Kewal Kaushik, K. Datta and C.S. Ramachandran.
The felicitation of super senior sports journalists was an SJFI general body decision and in the first phase 15 scribes were shortlisted, the city-wise break-up being: Delhi (4), Kolkata (3), Pune (1), Chennai (3), Bengaluru (1), Hyderabad (2), Guwahati (1).
The fourth Delhi shortlist, K.N.K. Menon has shifted base to his native town in Kerala. He will be felicitated by the Kerala sports journalists soon.
The event commenced with a brief introduction by DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi. He emphasised the significant role of sports journalists in shaping India’s sports narrative.
Mr. Tripathi expressed his gratitude to distinguished guests, including Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) President, Mr. Rohan Jaitley and Mr. Rajan Manchanda from the DDCA Apex Committee.
“I extend my greetings to them for allowing us to gather here today. The emotions displayed by our esteemed journalists when they reunited after 20 years reaffirmed the meaningful work we have accomplished together. As we honour those whose stories inspired us to become journalists, we also recognise our own contributions. Thank you all for being here.”
Mr. Jaitley opened the event with heartfelt remarks before presenting the SJFI medals and citations. He noted, “The intertwining of sports, cricket, and journalism has been significant, particularly with the remarkable events we’ve witnessed over the past year, including two World Cups and the Olympics. It is truly heartening to see familiar faces from our fraternity come together for this momentous occasion.”
Suresh, son of nonagenarian Kewal Kaushik, shared, “It is a profound honour to gather here to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our distinguished members. Their work is being recognised on this esteemed platform, reflecting the era in which they excelled, including my father. They serve as role models from whom we have learned much about discipline and professionalism.”
Nonagenarian K. Datta’s son reflected on his father’s remarkable celebration, stating, “My father turned 93 on September 30, and today (October5) is particularly special as we also celebrate my mother’s birthday. It is a great honour for our family to be here together. My father’s dedication to journalism has inspired us all, and we are immensely proud of his lifelong commitment to the profession.”
Mr. Ramachandran, an octogenarian, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am extremely grateful for this honour. It brings me great joy to gather here with everyone, and I look forward to everyone’s cooperation in this endeavour. Let us hope that such initiatives continue to thrive, and I hope we can all meet again soon to discuss our shared passion for sports journalism.”
The event concluded on a celebratory note, honouring the invaluable contributions of veteran sports journalists who have shaped the landscape of sports journalism in India. Heartfelt speeches and emotional reunions highlighted the importance of recognising those whose dedication has inspired generations.
