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The Delhi Sports Journalists’ Association (DSJA), an esteemed affiliate of the Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) and recognised by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), commemorated a momentous occasion on Saturday in collaboration with the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA). The event celebrated journalists aged 80 and above, honouring their invaluable contributions to sports journalism and highlighting their critical role in shaping the narrative of sports in India.
Held at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium, the ceremony witnessed the presentation of special SJFI medals and citations to esteemed journalists Mr. Kewal Kaushik, Mr. K. Datta, and Mr. C.S. Ramachandran. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of revered sports journalists Harpal Singh Bedi and Kishore Naithani, acknowledging their lasting impact on the field.
The event commenced with a brief introduction by DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi, who emphasised the significant role of sports journalists in shaping India’s sports narrative.
Mr. Abhishek Tripathi expressed his gratitude to distinguished guests, including DDCA President Rohan Jaitley and Mr. Rajan Manchanda from the DDCA Apex Committee.
He stated, “I extend my greetings to President Rohan Jaitley and Mr. Rajan Manchanda 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. Rohan 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.” He further expressed his commitment to nurturing the next generation of sports professionals, adding, “I look forward to working more closely together, especially to encourage youth engagement in sports journalism. There is untapped talent in our city waiting to be discovered.”
Honouring the legacy of his father, son of Kaushik Kewal shared, “It is a profound honour to gather here today 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.”
Mr. Kewal Kaushik began his career with the Press Trust of India from 1949 to 1960 before joining the Times Group, where he worked from 1961 to 1990. At The Times of India, he covered pivotal national and international events, including the Moscow and Los Angeles Olympics and the Asian Games. His contributions spanned major publications, including The Statesman, Tribune, and Evening News (Hindustan Times), where he reported on significant competitions, including the legendary wrestling bout between Dara Singh and King Kong. Notably, he also excelled as a football player, competing in the top division of the Delhi league for two decades and winning six league titles between 1950 and 1960. His enthusiasm for the sport extended to playing matches against teams from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, including a significant appearance for the Afghan Independence celebration in Kabul in 1950. This experience enriched his insights and reflected his deep commitment to both journalism and football.
Mr Kewal’s son also highlighted the bond between Mr. Kewal and Mr. K. Datta, stating, “Mr. Datta and my father were close allies, maintaining their camaraderie even after retirement. Their association dates back to 1989 when they covered significant events like the Nehru Cup in Siliguri. It is their unique bond and discipline that has taught us so much.”
During his time at the Times Group, Mr. K. Datta worked closely alongside Mr. Kaushik, fostering a strong professional bond that enriched their contributions to sports journalism.
At the event, Mr. Datta’s son reflected on his father’s remarkable celebration, stating, “My father turned 93 on September 30th, and today 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. C.S. Ramachandran, also honoured at the ceremony, dedicated over 30 years of service to the Indian Express, primarily covering football and hockey. Recognised for his exceptional expertise, he has left a lasting mark on the sports journalism landscape.
During the event, Mr. Ramachandran expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am extremely grateful to this association for honouring us today. 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.
