``Ashok did not join sports journalism to earn his bread and butter. He did it because he loved sports by heart and soul. His endeavour to spread awareness for sports in Odisha and encourage sportspersons of the state was exemplary,’’ reminisced Dr Sahoo, who shared a single room with Dr Pattnaik during their bachelorhood.

``When Ashok started his career as a sports journalist, he was getting a pittance. He wrote dissertations in various subjects to supplement his income. But he loved to work as a sports scribe and his commitment for the profession was absolute,’’ added Dr Sahoo, who also suggested to revive the sports awards instituted in the memory of Dr Patnaik.

Senior sports journalist Rajanikanta Satrusalya, who is a contemporary of Dr Patnaik, highly praised the sense of responsibility of the latter. ``Dr Patnaik was very hardworking and punctual. Despite hardship, he always gave his best to sports journalism,’’ recalled Satrusalya.

Among fellow sports journalists, OSJA vice-presidents Sambit Mohapatra and Suresh Swain; secretary Sanatan Pani, joint-secretary Debi Prasana Mohanty, treasurer Himanshu Patimishra and senior member Sanjib Biswal reminisced their working experience with Dr Pattnaik.

OSJA joint-secretary Samikhya Pattnaik and members Umakant Mishra, Debasis Sundaray, Sarbeswar Mohanty, Jagadiswar Das, Samir Rout, Kumar Bimal, Benudhar Das, Debi Prasanna Panigrahi, Tanmay Das, Rashmiprava Rath and Chiranjibi Pati were present on the occasion.
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PICS: OSJA members with guiest Dr Narayan Sahoo at Dr Ashok Pattnaik Memorial Meeting in Bhubaneswar on August 18, 2017.