ESLF Season 6: Inspiring Journeys and Untold Stories Take Center Stage
Celebrating Sports and Stories: The Sixth Edition of Ekamra Sports Literature Festival
New Delhi: On November 23, 2024, the vibrant Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi will transform into a haven for sports enthusiasts, literature lovers, and athletes alike as it hosts the sixth edition of the Ekamra Sports Literature Festival (ESLF). Touted as the largest sports literary gathering in Asia, this annual event is a celebration of the passion, struggles, and triumphs that define the world of sports, as told through the written word.
Since its inception in 2018, the festival has grown from its humble beginnings in Bhubaneswar to become a global platform for sports storytelling. Over the years, it has featured over 125 speakers, including Olympic gold medalists, celebrated authors, and key figures in sports governance, drawing a staggering 22 million online viewers.
Traversing global cities like Toronto and Gurugram, and establishing itself as a prominent platform for sports literature. The festival’s tagline, “Sports is Best Read”, encapsulates its mission to merge the worlds of sports and literature.
With a compelling lineup of authors, athletes, and panelists, ESLF promises a day of insightful discussions, powerful narratives, and a celebration of sports’ cultural significance.
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
SESSION 1: CANCERMAN TO IRONMAN
Time: 12:20 PM
Topic: A police officer’s inspiring journey from being a cancer survivor to an Ironman athlete.
Speakers:
- Nidhin Valsan, Author
- Vishnu Shankar, Seasoned Broadcast Journalist
SESSION 2: FUTURE OF INDIAN SPRINTING
Time: 02:00 PM
Topic: Exploring the potential and trajectory of Indian sprinting.
Speakers:
- Animesh Kujur, Sprinting Sensation, second-best time in 200m in India
- Martin Owens, Head Coach, Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre
- Rupinder Singh, Director, RPR Sports, and Former National Junior Athletic Champion
SESSION 3: THE CHESS REVOLUTION
Time: 02:30 PM
Topic: Understanding chess’s evolution in the digital age, based on “The Chess Revolution.”
Speakers:
- Peter Doggers, Journalist and Author of The Chess Revolution
- Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan
Moderator: Amit Kamath, Assistant Editor (Sports), Indian Express
SESSION 4: STATE POWER, SPORTING POWER
Time: 03:15 PM
Topic: The role of state policies in driving sports development in India.
Panelists:
- J. Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu
- Raveendran Sankaran, Director General & CEO, Bihar State Sports Authority
- Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India
- Pargat Singh, Former Hockey Captain & Current Punjab MLA
Moderator: Shireen Sethi, Broadcast Journalist
SESSION 5
GULLY GULLY: TRAVELS AROUND INDIA DURING THE 2023 WORLD CUP
Time: 03:15 PM
This session launches Aditya Iyer’s book Gully Gully, an insightful journey into the heart of India through the lens of cricket during the 2023 World Cup. Aditya delves into how cricket shapes India’s identity and culture, drawing on his extensive experience covering cricket and other global sporting events like football World Cups and Grand Slams.
Moderated by Arup Ghosh, a seasoned broadcaster and media entrepreneur.
SESSION 6
NAVIGATING TRANSGENDER PARTICIPATION IN WOMEN’S SPORTS
Time: 04:15 PM
This panel explores the complex and evolving conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports. Panelists include:
- Gopi Shankar Madurai, an equal rights activist,
- Dutee Chand, India’s first openly gay athlete and a two-time Olympian.
The session is moderated by Annesha Ghosh, a multimedia journalist with extensive experience in sports and gender issues.
SESSION 7: WITNESS
Time: 05:15 PM
A discussion about Witness, the compelling autobiography of former wrestler Sakshi Malik, co-authored by Jonathan Selvaraj. Joining the conversation are her husband and fellow wrestler Satyavrat Kadian and Olympian Gian Singh.
Moderated by Arup Ghosh, adding depth to the narrative.
SESSION 8
WE SHARE THE SUN: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OF KENYA’S LEGENDARY RUNNING COACH PATRICK SANG AND THE FASTEST RUNNERS ON EARTH
Time: 05:30 PM
Sarah Gearhart, author and journalist, unveils the secrets behind Kenya’s dominance in distance running through her book We Share the Sun. The session features special guest Ezekiel Kemboi Cheboi, Kenyan Olympian and multi-time world champion in the 3000m steeplechase.
Moderated by Shyam Vasudevan, a well-known broadcast journalist.
Festival Director Sundeep Misra remarked, “This edition of ESLF seeks to challenge norms, celebrate triumphs, and reinforce the cultural significance of sports through literature.”
A Legacy of Sporting Literature
ESLF has hosted over 125 speakers in its journey, including luminaries like Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, and Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka. With its 2024 edition, ESLF continues to champion the narratives that connect the human spirit to the world of sports.
These thought-provoking sessions are complemented by lighter moments, such as book launches, informal chats with celebrated athletes, and the much-anticipated Sports Book Awards, which will conclude the event.
A Cultural Movement
Festival Director Sundeep Misra, who coined the tagline “Sports Is Best Read,” describes ESLF as more than just a literary event. “This year, we aim to bridge the gap between sports and society, tackling tough topics like inclusion while celebrating groundbreaking works that push boundaries,” he said.
The festival’s journey across cities—Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Toronto, and Gurugram—has mirrored its expanding vision. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of sports as a medium for storytelling and cultural dialogue.
India at the Heart of It All
For international authors like Sarah Gearhart and Peter Doggers, attending ESLF is both a professional milestone and a personal pilgrimage. Sarah expressed her excitement to media saying, “India is a land of ancient culture where books are cherished. I look forward to meeting many knowledgeable people and enjoying the hospitality.”
Peter Doggers echoed this sentiment, calling India “the birthplace of chess” and describing his visit as a journey to the roots of the game he loves.
Books that Inspire, Stories that Resonate
At its core, ESLF is about the transformative power of stories—tales of resilience, passion, and excellence that inspire readers across generations. This year’s focus on inclusivity and untold narratives ensures that the festival continues to be a beacon for diverse voices in the realm of sports literature.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an aspiring writer, or someone who finds inspiration in stories of perseverance, the sixth edition of the Ekamra Sports Literature Festival promises a day of profound insights and enriching conversations.
Celebrating Excellence
The evening will conclude with the Ekamra Sports Book Awards, honoring the best sports literature published in the past year.
Mark your calendars for November 23, and join the celebration of sports and stories at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
