News Headline
Sporty Solutionz signs multi-year media rights deal with New Zealand Cricket
MUMBAI: Sporty Solutionz has signed a multi-year media rights deal with New Zealand Cricket. The deal enables Sporty Solutionz to sub-license New Zealand Cricket rights until 2016 and 2017 in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other parts of the sub-continent outside India. This will involve all cricket hosted by New Zealand Cricket during the 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.
During the period of the contract, New Zealand Cricket will play host to eight international series, including three visits from Pakistan, two from Sri Lanka, and a visit each from Bangladesh, Australia and the West Indies.
Sporty Solutionz’s chief executive officer Ashish Chadha rates the new relationship as extremely valuable. “We are proud to be associated with New Zealand Cricket,” said Chadha and added, “We are confident of broadcasting the action to previously unexplored territories to ensure the best reach for cricket played in New Zealand.”
“Of the eight series NZC will host during the period of our contract, six will involve teams from the sub-continent: Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – all of which play exciting cricket. On average, one of these teams will be playing every six months in New Zealand over the next three years – and I’m sure cricket lovers in the sub-continent are going to witness some exciting encounters,” he highlighted.
NZC chief executive officer David White welcomed the agreement and said he was looking forward to working with Sporty Solutionz over the term of the contract period.
“The next three seasons are shaping up as an exciting time for New Zealand Cricket and the Blackcaps, and we’re delighted to have Sporty Solutionz as a media rights partner,” said White.
“At a time when the Blackcaps are making excellent progress as an international team, this new partnership will ensure their exposure to an ever-increasing media audience,” added White.
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.
