News Headline
Fox Sports and Star Sports sign 7 year extension of F1 agreement
MUMBAI: Fox Sports and Star Sports will continue their exclusive broadcast of the FIA Formula One World Championship for another 7 years in Asia*, from 2016 till the 2022 season. The multi-territory deal with Formula One Management (FOM) provides Fox Sports with exclusive broadcast rights (cable and satellite and terrestrial) and multi-media rights to more countries in Asia than before, including Japan.
With the new agreement, Fox Sports and Star Sports will continue with live coverage of every Formula 1 practice, qualifying and race, which includes studio presentation and on-site presence for key races, all in standard-definition and high-definition, broadcasting from the new state-of-the-art studios in India, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.
In addition, fans can choose to enjoy races with the various ‘second screen’ options, like through the RaceMateLiveapp, which provides live drivers’ and pit-lane views, as well as multiple camera feeds and race statistics, or Fox Sports Play at www.foxplayasia.com or via the iOS and android apps, for live or on-demand action.
Subscribers to Fox Sports mobile may also follow the action streamed live to their mobile phones. Extensive highlights are also available on the 24/7 sports news channel, Fox Sports News.
Viewers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand will also be able to access commentary in Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese, Mandarin and Thai respectively, in addition to English.
“This seven-year agreement for Formula 1 racing in Asia is in line with Fox Sports’ long-term strategy of continually investing in the property, to provide our viewers and clients with the best-in-class F1 experience. Equally important, it assures us as well our affiliate partners a long term horizon”, said Fox International channels Asia-Pacific and Middle East president Zubin Gandevia.
“We are thrilled to continue with the exclusive broadcast of the FIA Formula One World Championship and bring the highest class of auto racing to our viewers. This long-term association is in line with our aim of showcasing the best of global sporting events to create a multi-sport culture in India, and we’re confident that this exciting championship will fuel the growth of motor sports viewing in the country”, said Star India president sports Nitin Kukreja.
Formula One group CEO Bernie Ecclestone commented: “I am delighted we have managed to continue our successful relationship. With its on-going commitment to top quality coverage and production, I feel that Fox Sports, together with Star Sports in India, will more than do justice to Formula 1 racing and continue to grow its fan base throughout Asia”.
The broadcast deal will help excite F1 fans, as they will witness the enthralling battles among drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, as well as among future stars, for seven more years, with the Fox Sports network. This latest contract renewal also follows the recent announcement of another long-term broadcast deal for The Championships, Wimbledon, which adds to the list of sports content available on the all-new Fox Sports network.
*territories include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
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.
