CUTTACK 02-Jul-2015
Hockey Olympian and Rajya Sabha Member Dilip Tirkey feels that sports scribes should give emphasis to technical aspects their reporting so that disciplines other than cricket can gain more popularity in India. ``Everybody knows about the laws, skills and techniques of cricket. But in other games, public awareness on these aspects is not so good. Traditional games like hockey, football and athletics will become more popular in our country if sports writers give more emphasis to these areas,`` said Tirkey on the occasion of World Sports Journalists Day, which was observed by Odisha Sports Journalists Association (OSJA) at Barabati Stadium here today.
An all-time great defender, Tirkey also called for setting up of a national institute to produce qualified trainers in the country. ``Fitness plays key role in modern-day sports. But we do not have enough trainers in our country to look after sportspersons` fitness aspect. Efforts must be made to set up a trainers` training institute on the lines of NIS, Patiala,`` said Tirkey. Adding a bit of fun to the fitness issue, the former India captain suggested sports journos to keep themselves fit as well.
Debasis Mohanty, the first Test cricketer of the state and the other guest of the occasion, highly appreciated the role of sports writers for the success of sportspersons in the country. ``Sports journalists and sportspersons have an emotional bonding with each other. In my case, they have been with me like elder brothers. Without them I would not have been where I am today,`` said Mohanty, now the head coach of Odisha Cricket Association (OCA).
OCA treasure Satya Mohanty too admired the contributions of sports scribes in the state and assured all possible help for OSJA to successfully host Sports Journalist Federation of India`s National Convention next year. Senior sports journalist Rajanikanta Satrusalya was felicitated on the occasion.
OSJA president K Ravi, working president Sanatan Pani, senior vice-president Sushant Mohanty, secretary Suresh Swain, joint-secretaries Sambit Mohapatra and Debi Prasanna Mohanty were present on the occasion.
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PHOTO: Olympian Dilip Tirkey speaks at the World Sports Journalists Day function in Cuttack on July 2, 2015.
