News Headline
FA’s tender for intl TV rights
LONDON: The Football Association (FA) has released the invitation to tender document for its overseas television rights for the period covering seasons 2004/20055 to 2007/2008.
An official release informs that the key rights included in this package are the England Senior home internationals, England Under-21 home internationals, The FA Cup and The FA Community Shield. The FA is also looking to launch the process to appoint its first ever mobile and internet partners in the near future, covering both the UK and worldwide markets. In India the FA Cup aired earlier this year on Ten Sports.
FA’s marketing and communications Paul Barber said, “The international profile of English football is extremely high and The FA wants to ensure this continues. The FA Cup is the most famous domestic cup competition in world football, with a tradition and international appeal that is unmatched. The cup final is currently broadcast in over 150 countries and has an audience of over 400 million.
“The final will be returning to Wembley and this just adds to the excitement. We have great players from all over the world and they will all want to play at the new home of football in the FA Cup final and we want the world to watch them.
“The England team is currently enjoying unprecedented levels of popularity abroad. Through the sale of our overseas television rights, The FA will ensure England’s home games can be seen the world over. Because of our wide role, revenues from the sale of these rights will go for the benefit of the game at every level.”
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.
