Photojournalist Gitika Talukdar becomes the only Indian photographer to cover Paris Olympics 2024

Indian sports photojournalist Gitika Talukdar has received accreditation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cover the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled to start on July 26.

Notably, Gitika, hailing from Guwahati, is India's first female photographer to cover the Summer Games. She has been appointed following an IOC initiative to promote female sports journalists and photographers.

Unveiling the news on Instagram, Gitika Talukdar expressed her delight in becoming the only photographer from India to get direct accreditation to cover the prestigious event with a vision to promote and encourage female journalists.

“I am thankful to the International Olympic Committee for privileging me with this honor by giving me exceptionally Press by name direct accreditation to cover the upcoming Paris Olympic Games 2024, with a vision to promote and encourage women journalists,” she wrote.

“I am among very few journalists and photographer in the world and the only photographer from India, who have received this direct accreditation for this Olympic Games. I am highly obliged and grateful to IOC for their generous decision to grant me the direct accreditation. Thank you,” she went on to add.

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Gitika Talukdar was also part of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021

It’s important to note that Gitika Talukdar is the only woman from India to get the accreditation for the Olympics, with her first photographic stint coming way back in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Despite facing multiple setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gitika displayed exceptional professional prowess at the Summer Games in Japan to cover the event.

In her 19-year sports journalism career, Talukdar has been part of many leading publications in India and overseas. She covered major sporting events like the Women's FIFA World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022, and FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 in France.

In an IOC media release, she highlighted this year's Olympic motto, "Games Wide Open," indicating the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports.

"It's an honour and privilege to receive accreditation from the IOC to cover the Paris Olympic Games 2024. I am grateful for their generous decision, which encourages me to work even harder,” she stated.