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Sony Six to live telecast Vijender Singh’s first professional fight
MUMBAI: Vijender Singh is on the verge of creating a historic landmark in his boxing career as he makes his debut in professional boxing at the Manchester Area. And Multi Screen Media (MSM) Network’s sports channel Sony Six has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights to the event.
The channel will be airing the fight live on Saturday, 10 October at 10:20 pm (IST). The event begins at 9.30 pm with the main fight at 10:20 pm.
India’s first Olympic and World Championships-medallist, Singh, will take on England’s Sonny Whiting, who is three-bouts old and has a 2-1 overall record so far in the middleweight division. The fight, which features in the prime time viewing belt for Indian audiences will feature four rounds of three minutes each.
Ahead of his fight, the 29-year-old Singh has set up base in Manchester to train under renowned coach Lee Beard and has been training alongside stable mates Jack Catterall, Adrian Gonzalez and Jimmy Kelly. Singh has made essential changes to adapt his game against the 27-year old English boxer, who already has one knockout win to his credit so far.
Sony Six’s association with boxing was highlighted with the broadcast of the ‘Fight of the Century’ featuring Mayweather against Pacquiao in May 2015. Following that, the channel focused on bringing premium and marquee combat sports content to Indian viewers including showcasing the high profile fight of Floyd Mayweather Jr Vs Andre Berto in September this year. This will be the channel’s third initiative in bringing one of the most headlined boxing fights live to Indian viewers in 2015.
Sony Six and Kix business head Prasana Krishnan said, “We are proud to showcase the fight that marks Vijender Singh’s foray into the professional boxing circuit. Vijender Singh is a National icon and an Olympian who has made India proud with his accomplishments. We are pleased to play our role as broadcasters of his pro debut fight to his fans.”
Singh added, “I am really happy that my professional debut fight in Manchester will be telecast live on Sony Six in India. Now all my friends, fans and coaches in India, who have been asking me about the telecast of the fight can watch me live in action. I am confident that with the reach of Sony Six, everyone in India will be able to watch my pro debut at Manchester Arena.”
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.
