News Headline
Star Sports delivers biggest Asia Cup ahead of ICC World Cup 2023
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Asia Cup 2023, has achieved a record milestone for sports viewing in India. With an astonishing 266 million viewers tuning in to the Star Sports’ live broadcast for the tournament, excluding the final, Asia Cup 2023 has become the most-watched edition of the tournament. Total viewing time for the tournament has increased by 75 per cent compared to the previous edition with over 73.5 billion minutes watched, excluding the final. The ‘Super 4’ encounter between the ‘Greatest Rivals’ (India & Pakistan) was the highest-rated ODI match ever, outside of world cups, garnering more than 6.4 million AMAs.
The tournament also witnessed 75 per cent growth in live match ratings (TVR**) for non-India matches. The extraordinary response to the tournament reaffirms fans’ love for multi-nation cricket with marquee stature and strong context.
“Disney Star’s presentation of Asia Cup 2023 was focused on elevating the stature of the event as a premier multi-nation tournament with the greatest rivalry – India v Pakistan – as its centerpiece. The unparalleled success of the tournament, despite challenges related to the unpredictable weather, reflects the impact of Star Sports’ multi-dimensional marketing campaigns, enhanced programming, ‘Best in the world’ coverage and most of all, the deep relationship India’s leading sports broadcaster has with Indian Cricket fans. It also underlines the pre-eminence of marquee multilateral sporting events on TV as the ultimate aggregator of audiences. The record viewership for India and non-India matches in Asia Cup also sets the stage for fandom to touch new highs during ICC CWC 2023 and for previous records to be challenged,” said a Star Sports spokesperson.
Asia Cup 2023 was not just about on-field heroics; it was a complete cricketing experience that brought fans closer to the game they adore. Star Sports went the extra mile to provide viewers with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Team India. A diverse panel of cricketing experts offered their insights and analyses, elevating the viewing experience to new heights and keeping fans engaged on rain-affected matchdays. Shows such as ‘Follow the Blues,’ ‘Game Plan,’ and ‘Cricket Countdown’ delved deep into the nuances of every game, enriching the understanding of die-hard fans and casual enthusiasts alike. These shows not only provided a comprehensive view of the tournament but also celebrated the spirit of cricket.
Asia Cup 2023 has set the stage for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and Star Sports is geared up to bring fans closer to the live cricketing action with Team India playing the warm matches against England and Netherlands on 30 September and 3 October respectively.
Catch all the action from India’s warm-up matches vs England and Netherlands, on 30 September and 3 October, LIVE & exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
Footnote:
*- BARC data for 2+U+R for live and broadcast
**- BARC data for India U 15+ MAB
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.
