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ESPN Classic Sport Network will launch in Europe
Last week ESPN. and Sports Capital Partners announced the creation of ESPN Classic Sport. This is a new network of European sports channels which will highlight greatest moments in sports history. Sports Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on sports, media, leisure and lifestyle related businesses. The company sees the creation of ESPN Classic Sport as a tremendous opportunity for their fund.
TWI which claims to be the largest independent producer, packager, and distributor of sports programming in the world will also be involved by providing support services like production.
Early next year France will first get a taste of ESPN Classic Sport with a minimum reach of 2.5 million homes, including the subscribers of CanalSatellite and TPS, France’s direct-to-home satellite TV operators.
It will show highlights of domestic, European Club, and national team football matches; the best action from the tennis Grand Slams, historic races from the Tour de France, great moments in golf plus rugby, skating, skiing. Launches in other major European markets will occur over the next several years.
ESPN Classic Sport is ESPN’s first branded network initiative in Europe. ESPN has a 70% stake while the remaining 30% is owned by Sports Capital Partners. It will be a 24 hours a day deal. The programming will be a mix of full length matches, event highlights, and produced retrospective programs. Some sports that will be covered are football, tennis, gymnastics and skiing.
ESPN Classic Sport will be presented in the local language of each country where it is available.
In America ESPN Classic claims to be the leader in presenting classic moments in sport. It claims to reach more than 43 million subscribers. ESPN also has an equity interest in ESPN Classic Canada which was launched in September.
The headquarters and main production office for ESPN Classic Sport will be based in London, with sales, marketing and local production in Paris.
President, ESPN George Bodenheimer said, “Launching ESPN’s first branded network in Europe is exciting. It reflects ESPN’s continued growth and the great interest in the quality services we provide to fans. With ESPN’s experience in classic-themed sports programming, the support of Sports Capital Partners, and the multifaceted television experience of TWI, we will offer European viewers a unique opportunity to relive the most memorable moments in sports history.
ESPN International now has interests in 26 networks distributed to over 112 million households in more than 140 countries and territories outside of America.
TWI produces 6000 hours of original programming each year for distribution to more than 200 territories and has production centers in London, New York, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Seoul, Stockholm and Sydney.
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.
