Delegates of OSJA with Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak at I & PR Department in Bhubaneswar on June 18, 2016.

A delegation of Odisha Sports Journalists’ Association (OSJA) met State Information & Public Relations Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak here today to discuss issues related to their profession, including hosting of the National Convention of Sports Journalists Association of India (SJFI) and issuance of accreditation to sports journalists of the state, especially those who have been honoured with the `Biju Patnaik Award for Outstanding Sports Journalists’ by the Government of Odisha.

In an informal meeting held at the I & PR Department, the delegates thanked the Government for recognising the contribution of sports scribes and incorporating an exclusive category for them in the Biju Patnaik Sports Award Scheme, the highest of its kind in the state. But they lamented that without accreditation of I & PR Departent, sports journalists are unable to avail facilities, which the state government provides to mediapersons in other fields.

“No accreditation for a Biju Patnaik Award winning sports journalist is like an MLA or Minister having no primary membership of a political party,’’ they pleaded. “Without accreditation, we face lot of inconvenience while covering major sports events outside the state,’’ they added.

The Minsiter, who started his career as a journalist and also covered sports events, was sportive enough to understand the problems of the sports journalists and assured prompt and positive action by his Department.

The I & PR Minister also assured all possible help to OSJA for a successful staging of the 39th National Convention of SJFI here in September this year. Over 100 sports scribes from across the country are expected to attend the prestigious event, which would take place in Odisha for the first time.

I & PR Director Sushil Das, OSJA president K Ravi, working president Sanatan Pani, vice-president Umakant Mishra, secretary Suresh Swain, joint-secretary Sambit Mohapatra, treasurer Himanshu Patimishra, executive members Sandeep Mishra, Tapan Swain, Sarbeswar Mohanty, Niranjan Reddy and members Surya Prasad Rath, Samir Rout, Kumar Bimal, Tanmay Das, Rashmiprava Rath, Debi Prasanna Panigrahi, Sudipta Swain and Mahendra Sahoo were present in the meeting.