INTERVIEW BY SUBHECHCHA GANGULY
In the heart of Delhi, where ambition thrives, Yashika Gupta has emerged as a promising voice in sports broadcasting.
Born and raised in the capital, her fascination with journalism was sparked at the age of ten during a chance encounter with renowned anchor Anju Pankaj, who asked her a question that stayed with her forever: “What is more important, name or fame?” That moment became the seed of her dream.
Fuelled by determination, Yashika pursued Journalism and Mass Communication at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, where she honed both academic knowledge and practical skills. Her career began with internships—first at The Asian Age, where she explored print journalism with a special focus on sports, and later with the India Today Group, which introduced her to the fast-paced world of television media.
From reporting on the nuances of cricket to covering diverse sporting events, Yashika brings a blend of insight, energy, and relatability to her work. With an innate ability to connect with audiences, she has carved a niche as a young sports anchor who not only informs but also inspires. Her journey reflects passion, persistence, and the belief that true success lies in purpose-driven storytelling.
Exclusive Interview with Yashika Gupta
Q1) Your journey in sports journalism has been long. There’s a common belief that one must start young in this profession. What is your take on this?
Ans: This world is such that if you are true to what you want to do, and if you are willing to put in the hard work, you will always achieve what you set out for. Starting young is definitely an advantage because it gives you more time to learn and adapt. But I also believe that at any age, if you have something unique to offer and you are authentic—not pretending to be someone else—it will always work.
Q2) Nowadays, social media is flooded with sports content, especially on YouTube and Instagram, where creators bring their own spin to it. What is your take on this?
Ans: It’s wonderful to see people coming up with such creativity in their own unique ways. Some may tell stories, and that style could resonate with audiences. Relatable content attracts a lot of attention these days, and niche groups enjoy consuming it. Ultimately, it’s about novelty—what you bring to the table, whether it’s research, analysis, or storytelling. Sometimes, it instantly clicks with the audience.
Q3) You have worked with Star Sports, Sony, and many other channels. Which has been the defining moment of your career?
Ans: After India Today, there came a moment when I felt, “This is it. I don’t want to do the same bulletin again and again.” That’s when I decided to take sports journalism seriously and started freelancing. At that time, I had no idea where the money would come from or how things would unfold, but I had a strong desire to pursue it. Later, I joined Ten Sports and worked for WWE. That truly changed my life—it gave me an understanding of what sports broadcasting is, how it functions, and what happens behind the scenes.
Q4) The working pattern in sports journalism is quite different. How did you adapt to it, and what did it teach you?
Ans: It really is different. In the beginning, it was tough because there were times I would be working non-stop for two months, followed by long dull stretches waiting for the next assignment. But those experiences taught me patience, resilience, and how to deal with uncertainty.
Q5) You’re an inspiration to many. The way you conduct interviews and talk about sports is truly impactful. Cricket especially has many technicalities—how did you learn them? And what advice would you give youngsters who want to enter this field?Ans: Honestly, there’s no one who will handhold you and teach you about any game. When I was in news, I used to watch other anchors closely and observe their way of speaking and presenting. For youngsters, my advice would be to keep observing, absorbing, and understanding how sports anchoring is done. That’s how you’ll eventually master the craft.
(Second Part Coming Up soon )
