News Headline
Chinese TV stations to produce intl signals for seven sports at 2008 Olympics
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MUMBAI: With the next edition of the Olympic Games scheduled to take place in China in three years time authorities are preparing the ground for a smooth coverage of the event. A Memorandum of Cooperation has been signed between the Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Committee (Bob) and eight Chinese TV stations. |
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The contracted stations, including CCTV, Beijing TV and Zhejiang TV will produce the international TV and radio (ITVR) signals of seven sports – table tennis, badminton, modern pentathlon, football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis in the Olympics.  This is the first agreement that Bob has signed with TV production teams for the Beijing Games. It is also the first time that Chinese TV Stations are participating in the production of ITVR signals for Olympics on such a large scale. |
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During the 2008 Olympic Games, more than 600 Chinese TV personnel will work at 19 competition venues as part of the BOB team. During Athens Olympic Games in 2004, CCTV produced ITVR signals of table tennis, badminton and modern pentathlon for the host broadcaster. That was the first time that a Chinese production team was involved in the production. Bob will sign contracts with broadcasting teams around the world to produce ITVR signals of all 28 sports, which will be used by more than 200 rights-holding broadcasters in the world. To host a high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features, Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Bocog and Chinese broadcasting authorities are working closely to facilitate the preparations for Olympic broadcasting. The Olympic Broadcasting Committee has been working on policies and procedures regarding entry-exit, customs, taxation, working permit and frequency coordination etc. for Olympic broadcasters in order to provide a smooth working condition which is in accordance with Olympic practice and meets international broadcasters’ requirements. |
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.
