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WWE in broadband deal with Japan’s Plala Networks
MUMBAI: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has signed a contract with Tokyo-based Plala Networks. The deal allows the Japanese Internet Service Provider to broadcast WWE 24/7, a subscription video on demand (VOD) service, on its 4th Media broadband content distribution services through the end of this year.
Plala is a subsidiary of NTT East Corporation, a Japanese telecom company. In addition to being one of Japan’s most popular ISPs, Plala is a content aggregator for the 4th Media service.
Plala Networks president Koji Bando says, “We are extremely pleased to have reached an agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment® to offer WWE 24/7 content in the Japanese market. With this agreement, we hope that this will be the first step towards building a long-term mutually beneficial relationship between both our companies. We strongly believe that offering WWE 24/7 through a new medium that is 4th Media holds strong appeal for WWE fans in Japan. Furthermore, we see it as our role to offer in Japan such valuable content that has, up until now, never been broadcast nor distributed through any other platforms in Japan.”
WWE 24/7 is a part of the growth strategy for Plala and its affiliated ISPs to subscribe as many of their users as possible to the 4th Media service. Plala and its affiliated ISPs have a subscription base of several million users.
WWE Enterprises executive VP Tom Barreca says, “WWE is a global franchise, and WWE 24/7 was conceived as salable concept that would scale worldwide for partners and fans. Signing with a leader like Plala is a significant breakthrough for WWE 24/7 internationally, and we see a great future in contracting with other telephony and telecommunications providers around the globe.”
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.
