BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
In a landmark moment for Indian sports journalism, celebrated Assamese photojournalist Gitika Talukdar has once again earned global recognition after receiving official FIFA accreditation to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The assignment marks her third consecutive Men’s FIFA World Cup appearance following successful coverage of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 — a remarkable achievement that places her among the most accomplished sports visual storytellers from India.
With this selection, Gitika currently stands as the only female photojournalist from India chosen to represent the Indian media contingent at football’s grandest global spectacle, further cementing her reputation as a pioneering figure in international sports media.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to become the largest edition in tournament history, featuring an expanded format of 48 national teams. Covering such a massive sporting event demands elite-level experience, adaptability, and visual storytelling excellence — qualities that Gitika has consistently demonstrated throughout her career.
Over the years, she has built an impressive international portfolio by covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics, and the Paris Olympics. Her work has not only elevated her professional standing but has also brought pride and visibility to Northeast India on the global sports media stage.
Speaking to India Today NE, Gitika described the accreditation as a “proud and emotional moment,” expressing heartfelt gratitude towards FIFA, All India Football Federation, and the Asian Football Confederation for their continued support and trust in her work.
Her journey continues to inspire aspiring journalists and photographers across the country, particularly women aiming to break barriers in sports media — a field traditionally dominated by men. Gitika’s success story is not just a personal milestone but also a defining moment for Assam, Northeast India, and Indian journalism as a whole.
As the football world prepares for the historic 2026 edition, India will once again have one of its finest visual storytellers documenting the passion, emotion, and drama of the beautiful game from the heart of the global stage.
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