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ESPN Star Sports claims 10+ ratings for India-West Indies Test series for ad spots
The India-West Indies test series saw viewership ratings touching as high as 10.29 during the second test match featured on Star Sports, according to an an ESPN Star Sports release.
In addition, over 11.95 million or 65 per cent of all males 15+ ABC cable and satellite homes (source: AC Nielsen TAM) in nine metros tuned in to watch the India-West Indies test series during the first four test matches, the release states.
The Samsung advertisement on the last day of the second test match got the rating of 10.29, followed by other brands such as All Out Mosquito Repellent, MRF, LG Refrigerator and Dr. Morepen ranging ratings of 10.14 to 9.88.
The third day of the fourth test also got very high ratings with TVS Victor, Pepsi and Bajaj Pulsar getting ratings between 9.88 and 9.62.
ESPN Star Sports currently holds rights to all international cricket from eight out of the 10 test playing nations in the world, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. In addition it has the recently acquired rights for all international cricket out of Bangladesh till mid-2006.
In 2002 alone, ESPN and Star Sports will showcase over 261 days of Live and Exclusive international cricket including a whopping 82 days of India playing cricket covering India tours to West Indies, England and New Zealand.
“It is our constant endeavour to innovate, create and bring compelling sports content from around the world for the millions of our loyal viewers,” Manu Sawhney, managing director of ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd.
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.
