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ESPN associates with Comverse for ESPN Mobile in US
MUMBAI: ESPN has announced its latest agreement in the development of ESPN Mobile – the first US national wireless phone services targeted to sports fans.
Comverse, a unit of Comverse Technology, Inc., and one of the world’s leading suppliers of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication services, will provide and support the software and hardware that will enable ESPN Mobile subscribers to interact with data, obtain downloads and browse mobile websites.
ESPN Mobile, set to launch in early 2006, will offer fans unique sports programming and entertainment from ESPN on a mobile phone, delivering not only wireless voice service, but applications such as easy access to sports news, information, commentary, analysis, statistics, ring tones, graphics, photos and logos as well as audio and video. ESPN Mobile will sell ESPN-branded handsets, accessories and applications tailored to its target audience of sports fans, stated an official release.
“Every step of this process brings the concept of ESPN Mobile closer to reality, and we’re really excited to make this announcement today,” ESPN Mobile senior V-P Manish Jha said. “Serving the fans anytime, anywhere has never been more possible, and working with Comverse will help us get to our fans the content they want, when they want it.”
Added Comverse Americas president Ramesh Barasia, “MVNOs like ESPN are becoming increasingly popular. MVNOs provide a cost-efficient way to reach targeted customer segments and effectively increase ARPU and subscriber loyalty through customized services. We are excited to contribute to ESPN’s success in the mobile field by providing our strong marketing and technological expertise.”
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.
