Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Raksha Khadse called for greater focus on non-cricket sports and highlighted government initiatives on sports tourism and sports science careers while addressing the Sports Journalists Federation of India convention in Delhi
Published Date – 14 March 2026, 12:09 AM
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Raksha Khadse emphasised the need to give due space to non-cricket sports, highlighted the government initiatives to promote sports tourism, and explained how the Government of India had opened career paths in emerging fields such as sports science.
She was the chief guest for the Sports Journalists Federation of India convention organised by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association here on Friday.
The Union Minister also underscored that journalism, as the fourth pillar of democracy, is essential in advancing social good, and that sports media plays a critical role in projecting India’s soft power globally.
“The gender gap in sports journalism was another key point I highlighted, urging greater participation of women in the field. I sincerely appreciate the unwavering support of sports journalists, whose dedication strengthens the sporting ecosystem,” she said.
Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports) & Director General of the Sports Authority of India, also spoke.
Saraju Chakravarty, President, and V Ramesh, Secretary of the Sports Journalists Federation of India, graced the occasion.
Abhishek Tripathi, President of DSJA, thanked the Union Sports Ministry and the sponsors for their support. Sabi Hussain, secretary of DSJA, was also present.
Photo caption: Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Raksha Khadse, along with other dignitaries, at the SJFI convention in Delhi on Friday.
