Honouring the Storytellers Behind the Game
July 2 is “International Sports Journalists Day”. Sports journalism is a vital part of the media landscape. Sports journalists go beyond scores and statistics to bring the spirit of the game alive and help audiences connect with the sport. With the rise of social media, fans now expect instant updates and in-depth analysis. This shift has pushed sports journalists to adapt and innovate. India’s relationship with sports is passionate, with cricket being a national obsession. There is also growing excitement around sports like badminton, wrestling, hockey, football, and kabaddi. Tens of thousands of sports journalists work worldwide. As it stands, it is a male-dominated profession (more than 70%). What they earn varies and is nothing compared to what the sports persons themselves get. One of the significant problems the sports journalist profession in India faces is the lack of training and resources. Many journalists enter the field without formal training in sports journalism. In an age of instant updates and viral clips, sports journalists provide context, credibility, and depth. They help us see beyond the scoreboard, into the strategy, emotion, and human drama that make sports so captivating.
Sports Journalists:
The Unsung Heroes Behind Sporting Glory.
July 2 is International Sports Journalists Day. It is also celebrated as World Sport Journalists’ Day and was initiated in 1994 by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) to commemorate its 70th  anniversary. The AIPS is an independent organisation with 160 member associations. Sports journalism is a vital part of the media landscape. These dedicated professionals go beyond scores and statistics. They bring the spirit of the game alive and help audiences get connected with the thrill and drama of the sports events. They narrate inspiring journeys of sportspeople, such as the story of a rising star from a rural village.
Sports journalism developed during the 1800s. Initially, it was centered on elitist sports and focused more on reporting the social context of sports events. In the 1920s, the profession began to take shape as newspapers dedicated more time and space to sports journalism. The 20th century witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of sports journalism, from a mere 0.4% of space dedicated to sports in newspapers to 20% by the 1920s. Today, sports journalism utilises not only print media but also radio, television, and the Internet. Yes, commentators are considered sports journalists.
Sports are One Thing that unites people worldwide,
Regardless of Their Race, Language, or Social Class.
Sports journalists are the bridge between athletes and fans. Their narratives resonate with the audience and readers, encompassing the boundaries of language and geography. From print newspapers and radio broadcasts to 24/7 digital platforms and live tweeting, sports journalism has seen a tremendous transformation. With the rise of the Internet and social media, fans now expect instant updates and in-depth analysis. This shift has pushed sports journalists to adapt and innovate. Despite these changes, the core values of sports journalism – accuracy, passion, integrity, and storytelling – remain constant.
A Sports Journalist Is Not Just A Reporter-
They Are Curators of Moments That Define A Generation.
Harsha Bhogle
India’s relationship with sports is passionate, with cricket being a national obsession. There is also growing excitement around sports like badminton, wrestling, hockey, football, and kabaddi. Veterans like Harsha Bhogle (referred to as the voice of Indian Cricket), Ravi Shastri, Ravish Sharma, Mayanti Langer, Boria Majumdar (sports historian and journalist), Rohit Brijnath, and Malika Bajaj (motorsports and tennis) are among many others. Their voices and words are woven into our collective memory of iconic sporting moments – from Sachin Tendulkar’s century of centuries to Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic gold.
Tens of thousands of sports journalists work worldwide. The profession continues to grow with the expansion of sports coverage across streaming services, social media, and international events, making sports journalism a vibrant and evolving field. In the US alone, there are more than eleven thousand sports journalists. In India, the number is ~3000. As it stands, it is a male-dominated profession, with more than 70% of the profession being male. What they earn varies and is nothing compared to what the sports persons themselves get. In the US and Europe, the average earnings are ~ $ 50,000, and the same in India varies from $8,000 to $12,000
One of the significant problems the sports journalist profession faces is the lack of training and resources. Many journalists enter the field without formal training in sports journalism. Regional and vernacular media often lack resources for comprehensive sports coverage.
The Changing Landscape: From Print to Digital
Fans no longer wait for the morning paper. They follow their favourite sports journalists and platforms in real-time. Digital journalism has also given rise to independent sports storytellers, many of whom create content in regional languages, widening the reach and impact of sports media.
In an age of instant updates and viral clips, sports journalists provide context, credibility, and depth. They help us see beyond the scoreboard, into the strategy, emotion, and human drama that make sports so captivating. In the chaos of competition, one has to find clarity and meaning, and that is what sports journalists do. It is an occasion to salute the storytellers.
A Salute to the Storytellers
Toons: Anusha and Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
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