8th batch Gitika was the only female sport photojournalist representing India at the highly-anticipated and high-risk Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
Gitika is an experienced sport photojournalist, but she expressed how different this experience was due to the current health restrictions.
Media officials had to take a swab test every day at the main media center that often delayed arrivals to certain venues, and food was not available in almost all media hotels and venues which was challenging.
She added, “It was the first time for me to eat only once a day and work until 3 in the morning!”
In spite of working through an empty stomach, Gitika’s passion for sport as well as the significance of her working motivated her to work. As a rare Indian female sport photojournalist with multiple local news outlets having published about Gitika’s unique journey, Gitika is a female hero back home.
“I do believe that my journey has inspired many girls and women in India who want to pursue their career in sport journalism,” said Gitika.
She also stated that it was exciting to meet DTM faculty Dr. Alan Abrahamson at the games in person, in which they were previously acquainted through online DTM classes. This is a common occurrence, as DTM students and graduates alike will often come across DTM acquaintances in the field of sport due to DTM’s strong network of sport specialists and professors.
