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SPSN to air Indian Women’s pink ball test & T20I in four languages
Mumbai: Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) is geared up to cheer for the #SuperWomenInBlue during their ongoing series against Australia. To ensure that viewers feel closer to the action and enjoy the one-off pink ball day-night test match and three T20I matches, the channel will broadcast the matches in four languages – Sony Six channel in English, Sony Ten 3 channel in Hindi, and Sony Ten 4 channel in Tamil and Telugu from 30 September. The matches will also be live-streamed on SonyLiv.
The series has raised interest amongst viewers as it will be the first time that the Indian Women’s team will play a day-night pink ball test. In order to boost Indian Women’s Cricket and ensure a wider reach for the game, Sony Sports has announced the return of “Extraaa Innings” studio show, featuring former cricketers like Saba Karim, Nooshin Al-Khadeer, Vivek Razdan, and WV Raman as well as ace commentator Raman Bhanot along with prominent presenter Atish Thukral, said the statement.
To further amplify the excitement the channel has launched the #SuperWomenInBlue campaign which calls out to every Indian cricket fan to support the Indian Women’s cricket team and cheer for them.
“2021 has been a year of outstanding achievements for Indian athletes and we have witnessed Indian women raising the bar at the global stage on multiple occasions. All eyes will now be on the Indian women’s cricket team as they prepare to play their first-ever historic pink ball day-night Test against Australia in their backyard,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue office – distribution and head of sports business Rajesh Kaul. “As the official broadcaster, we are delighted to announce the language feeds for the series as we aim to reach a wider audience and provide unparalleled viewing experience as the entire nation gears to support the Women in Blue at this historic tour.”
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.
