They tell you this is a world where you can be anything, but following your dreams is often hard. And sports photographer Gitika Talukdar knows that first-hand. The focussed journalist, who recently received direct accreditation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cover the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, says, “When I began working in 2006, people did not take me seriously, though I put as much effort into my job as my male counterparts. It took a long time to get this recognition, but now, I am happy to find myself among one of the few internationally-recognised women sports photographers.”
This Guwahati girl is the first and to date the only female photographer from India to have received this accreditation from IOC, which has a vision of promoting women journalists.
“Despite many hurdles and constraints, I’m grateful I was able to come such a long way without any Godfather. I am deeply thankful to the IOC for honouring me with this direct accreditation,” she adds.
Gitika began following her dream of becoming a sports journalist in her native city. “I started my career at the 2006 National Games in Guwahati, and later, several lucrative opportunities came my way, such as four FIFA World Cups, the IPLs, ISL and ICC matches, as well as various ODI and International league matches,” she says. She also covered the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, which was held during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was the only woman photographer from India to do so. Her dedication to her job won her a scholarship from the Sports Ministry of South Korea to pursue a Masters degree in Sports Management from the prestigious Seoul National University, South Korea, in 2020.
“I guess, if you’re passionate about what you do, magic happens,” says Talukdar, with a sparkle in her eyes.
While good and bad days are part of the game, Talukdar believes nothing overrides passion.
“I love my profession; I truly enjoy myself whenever I am on duty,” she smiles.
Photojournalism isn’t for the weak
“Photojournalism is a tough job, more so for women, because, there’s always discrepancy in opportunities and pay scales, which can get really demotivating,” she shares, but goes on to say, “These days, it’s really good that India is organising many sporting events, which gradually opens up better opportunities for young people in sports-journalism.”
When quizzed about what she likes to do on an off-day, she reveals that she likes cooking. “I am a music lover and I compose some songs and like singing as well whenever time permits. Also, I’m a total movie buff,” she adds.
Besides journalism and photography, Talukdar also works as a sports administrator. “I’ve designed a sports education project for girls, which will be launching soon in Assam. I’ve always believed that sports can change the life of a child,” she signs off.
“Photojournalism is a tough job, more so for women, because, there’s always discrepancy in opportunities and pay scales, which can get really demotivating. These days, it’s really good that India is organising many sporting events, which gradually opens up better opportunities for young people in sports-journalism.”
“I believe sports can change the life of a child, therefore I feel happy and satisfied that I am able to do something for the betterment of society.” — Gitika Talukdar, Sports Photographer
