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May 24, 2026 – India –
Indian sports photojournalist Gitika Talukdar has received official FIFA accreditation to cover the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, becoming the only Indian woman photojournalist selected for the global football tournament and marking her third consecutive assignment at the event.
Talukdar, who is based in Assam, will cover the upcoming World Cup scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Her latest accreditation follows previous coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, further establishing her presence in international sports journalism.
Regional media outlets described the achievement as a historic moment for Indian and Assamese journalism, particularly for women working in sports photography, a field traditionally dominated by men. Reports noted that Talukdar remains the only female photojournalist from India included in the Indian media contingent for the tournament.
Over the years, Talukdar has covered several major international sporting events beyond the FIFA World Cup. Her assignments have included the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, and the Paris Olympics in 2024. Her repeated accreditation by international sporting organizations has been viewed as recognition of her work in sports journalism and photography.
Speaking to regional media after the announcement, Talukdar described the accreditation as an emotional and proud moment in her professional career. She said the recognition reflected years of dedication and hard work within sports journalism while also representing Assam and Northeast India on global sporting platforms.
Talukdar’s achievements have previously drawn attention from organizations promoting women in journalism and sports media. In 2024, the International Olympic Committee directly accredited her for coverage of the Paris Olympics under initiatives aimed at encouraging female sports journalists and photographers.
Media commentators in India said her continued presence at major global sporting events highlights the growing representation of women in sports reporting and photography. Advocates also noted that journalists from Northeast India remain underrepresented in national media, making Talukdar’s international recognition particularly significant for the region.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest edition of the tournament in history, featuring 48 national teams and expanded international media coverage. Talukdar’s selection has been widely celebrated by journalists, sports organizations, and supporters across Assam and India, who described her achievement as an important milestone for Indian sports journalism.
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