The men and women that freeze sporting moments in time

Photography is more than just the capturing of a moment; it is the art of freezing time and preserving emotions.

World Photography Day (19th of August) celebrates the power of capturing a moment in time - moments of triumph and defeat, of raw athleticism and of relentless dedication.

Sports photography thrives on these very elements, demanding not just technical expertise but an intuitive understanding of the game and the unearthing of human stories that lie within it.

As we flip through the pages of sporting history, some of the most iconic images serve as permanent etchings of sporting legends and their defining moments.

Let's train our spotlight on a few such photographers who make these moments immortal.

1. The undying passion of Seshadri Sukumar

Age is just a number for Seshadri Sukumar, a testament to the fact that passion knows no bounds.

This 66-year-old photographer's story is an inspiration for anyone who has ever dreamt of chasing a dream later in life. Sukumar spent his career as a bank employee, but his love for photography remained a constant companion.

Nearing retirement, he took a leap of faith and pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a professional sports photographer.

Today, Sukumar stands tall, capturing every precious moment at the Olympics, including that of India's historic gold.

Sukumar's journey teaches us the fact that it's never too late to chase your passion.

Over the last 35 years, he has travelled the globe, documenting sporting events like the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup (2010 & 2014), the Asian Games, the ICC Cricket World Cup, and countless others.

One photograph that truly exemplifies Sukumar's talent is the one he captured during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

It features Helen Maroulis, an American wrestler, defeating the legendary 13-time champion Saori Yoshida of Japan.

The image captures the raw emotion of defeat etched on Yoshida's face, a stark contrast to the American's celebratory pose. This photograph not only documented a historic win but also earned Sukumar a gold medal from the Photographic Society of America.

2. Neha Ganeriwal: Capturing raw emotions

In a world obsessed with chasing numbers and societal expectations, Neha Ganeriwal's story is a breath of fresh air.

In a society that often equates success with material achievements, Ganeriwal dared to choose a different path.

Inspired by the off-court demeanor of tennis legends Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, she decided to upend her life and pursue her passion for photography.

Ganeriwal has received the prestigious award in the Independent Photographers category at the World Sports Photography Awards by MPB.

The image that won her this honor, ironically titled "Boys Don’t Cry," is from the 2022 Laver Cup held in London, which was Roger Federer’s last tournament.

This photograph encapsulates a deeply human moment, touching on universal themes of vulnerability, farewell, and the emotional complexity of competitive life.

Ganeriwal's work is a celebration of the beauty found in everyday life.

She captures moments that others might overlook, bringing out the magic in the mundane.

Her photography is not just about the action on the field but also about the emotions and stories behind those moments.

Whether it's the camaraderie between athletes or the quiet determination in their eyes, Ganeriwal's lens captures it all.

3. Gitika Talukdar and her story of breaking barriers

Gitika Talukdar's journey is one of breaking barriers and redefining what is possible for women in the field of sports photography.

Hailing from the small town of Doom Dooma in Assam, Talukdar became the first Indian woman to cover the Olympics as a sports photojournalist.

Her path began with capturing local events and cultural performances in her hometown.

Equipped with a camera and a burning passion, she embarked on a professional career in 2006-2007, starting with the National Games in Guwahati as a journalism student intern.

Since then, she has covered prestigious events like the IPL, Commonwealth Games, and the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Talukdar's dedication goes beyond just capturing moments.

She sees her work as a source of motivation and by documenting the struggles and triumphs of athletes, she hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams.

Her accreditation to cover the Paris Olympics is a significant step forward for women's empowerment in the field of sports photography.

Her journey has not been easy, but it is her passion and dedication that have kept her going.

4. Redefining photography with Geoff Lowe

Moving to the international circuit, at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, chances are that viewers came across a digital creator from Britain that garnered headlines for making art from the Olympics.

From capturing the raw power of athletes to weaving visual symphonies that celebrate their journeys, Geoff Lowe's approach to sports photography is nothing short of artistic.

Lowe doesn't just document sporting events; he transforms them into mesmerizing compositions.

By overlaying multiple shots of athletes in motion, he creates dynamic scenes that offer fresh perspectives on athleticism.

His work transcends mere documentation, inviting viewers to admire the beauty and complexity of human movement in a new light.

These are just a few stories amongst countless others.

The world of sports photography is filled with talented individuals who use their craft to capture the essence of human competition.

They freeze moments in time, etching stories of triumph and defeat, of resilience and the pursuit of excellence, forever into our collective memory.