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Sony Sports Network prepares to broadcast WWE WrestleMania 39
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network returns with WWE WrestleMania 39. The upcoming edition of the Premium Live Event will be showcased along with a week of action-packed calendar with WWE SmackDown, WWE Raw and WWE NXT LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels. In 2023, the road to WrestleMania ended at its final stop, Hollywood, at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, after two years, with many eagerly anticipated matches on 2 April and 3 April 2023, from 5:30 am IST onwards.
The 39 edition of this prestigious PLE promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a star-studded lineup of WWE superstars, set to take the ring by storm. In addition to the headlining match between ‘The Tribal Chief’ Roman Reigns and the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title, the WWE universe will also be treated to a special appearance by John Cena as he challenges Austin Theory, The United States Champion for the title.
On the road towards WrestleMania, Sony Sports Network has also broadcasted a special show – Next Stop Hollywood, featuring special guests Bobby Lashley and Rhea Ripley. The two WWE Superstars speak intimately about their journey towards stardom, thoughts on their accolades till date, and what is in store for them in the future.
Apart from the thrilling matches at WrestleMania 39, the WWE universe will also witness back-to-back WWE content on Sony Sports Network, kick starting with WWE Super Dhamaal – WrestleMania Edition hosted by Sharman Joshi and Sneha Namanandi with Cody Rhodes previewing his Undisputed universal Championship match exclusively on the show.
There will be the highly anticipated ‘Hall of Fame 2023’, featuring the induction of WWE legends such as ‘Rey Mysterio’, ‘The Great MUTA’ and many more on April 1, 2023, LIVE at 7:45 am. Followed by thrilling action witnessed at WWE NXT Stand and Deliver on Saturday April 1 at 10:30 PM.
Each day of WrestleMania 39 will be followed by the WrestleMania live press conference featuring the top WWE Superstars and Legends, which would be a part of the WrestleMania Edition of Extraaa Dhamaal.
Extraaa Dhamaal – WrestleMania, will feature live guests such as WWE superstar Jinder Mahal, sharing their views on WrestleMania match results, along with live fan interaction and much more.
WWE WrestleMania 39 will be hosted by WWE superstar “The Miz”, and the marquee event will see the much-awaited showdown between SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.
The winner of the 2023 Women’s Elimination Chamber, Asuka, will face the Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. But that’s not all, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ Brock Lesnar, will be back looking to be at the top of the food chain once again, when he faces the towering Nigerian Giant Omos in a singles match.
Apart from this, internet sensation Logan Paul, has challenged Seth “Freakin” Rollins for his first ever WrestleMania singles match.
Sony Pictures Networks chief revenue officer, distribution and head – sports business India Rajesh Kaul said, “WWE is the biggest sports-entertainment property in the world, and India is amongst their biggest markets, outside North America. It gives us immense pleasure to bring back WrestleMania year on year for the Indian fans. The Premium Live Event attracts maximum eyeballs for WWE and brings some of the biggest stars under one roof. Hence, to further engage with the fans, we will showcase a full week of live content, which will help us establish a stronger connection in the Indian market. Understanding the excitement around the Hall of Fame, we will broadcast the property live for the first time. We will also bring a 30-minute special for the Indian fans.”
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.
