SPORTS Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN) celebrated World Sports Journalists’ Day by felicitating talented and medal winning athletes of the district. The athletes brought laurels to the district by winning medals in the recently concluded Maharashtra State Athletics Championship. On the occasion, Girish Vyas, Vice-President Carrom Federation of India and Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, former international athlete and Secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association were present as the guests. The athletes were felicitated by the guests during the programme held at SJAN Office in Vivekanand Nagar.

 

Vyas, himself a former kabaddi player, lauded the work of sports journalists and said that it is because of these sports reporters, the sportspersons get recognition. “They (sports journalists) have their limitations but they still try to highlight the achievements of sportspersons,” he stated. Dr Suryawanshi said that all athletes should learn how to deal with the scribes as it is one of the important aspect of their journey to the top.

 

“Once you start representing the country, you will have to face sports journalists and their queries. You should prepare yourself from now onwards,” he opined. Those who were felicitated include Ujwal Kalasit, Gopal Palandurkar, Adarsh Bhure, Nayan Sarde, Sakshi Tambhake, Bhavyashree Mahalle, Tejaswini Lambhkane, Neha Dhabale, Pratik Kanere, Romesh Shende, Ashutosh Bawane, Ishan Khodke, Lacha Veladhi, Palash Gadware, Chaitali Borekar, Bhuwaneshwari Masram, Pravin Kumar, Vishal Kore, Anushka Bodile, Sanika Mangar, Dhanashri Kamthe, Siyongita Misar, Saurav Tiwari, Riya Dohatare. SJAN President Dr Ram Thakur, Secretary Paritosh Pramanik and other members were present on the occasion. Naresh Shelke conducted the programme.