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IPTL to be telecast LIVE in over 150 territories
MUMBAI: Come December, the second edition of the much-anticipated International Premier Tennis League presented (IPTL) will be broadcast in over 150 territories across the globe. the event that features the world’s leading tennis players, now promises to attract both increased spectators and viewers with a bevy of leading broadcasters airing the matches for audiences across the World.
The league has partnered with some of the world’s biggest sports broadcasters. ESPN, Fox Asia, Sky Sports, TV5, WOWOW, Eurosport, Tennis Channel, Star Sports, Abu Dhabi Media Group among others will beam the IPTL into homes across the United States, United Kingdom, South-East Asia, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean, giving the league a truly global broadcast footprint. All matches will be produced in HD quality with IPTL graphics and commentary by Jason Goodall and Robbie Koenig.
“We are proud to strengthen our reach, taking it to global audiences through many of the world’s leading broadcasters. The success of Season 1 is a result of the format being accepted by the players translating into high-intensity competition. We will continue to offer an unmatched viewing experience to our global audiences who are now beginning to enjoy tennis in a manner never seen before,” said Mahesh Bhupathi on behalf of the league.
This year’s edition will see five franchises –The Micromax Indian Aces, OUE Singapore Slammers, UAE Royals, Philippine Mavericks and Japan Warriors battle it out for the coveted IPTL trophy.
The five franchises will feature Grand Slam champions, current and former world number one players, and other top tennis talent from across the world. The star-studded line-up boasts seven of the Top 10men’s and women’s players.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
