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Patrice Evra joins Sony Sports Network’s studio show for the live coverage of UEFA EURO 2024
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network is thrilled to announce former France football team captain Patrice Evra as one of the expert panellists for their live coverage of the biggest football tournament of this year- UEFA Euro 2024. Evra will join the eminent panel of experts on their flagship studio show Football Extraaa during the UEFA EURO 2024 to enrich the experience of the viewers with their excellent analysis of each of the matches.
The ‘Home of Football in India’ – Sony Sports Network will broadcast the much-anticipated UEFA EURO 2024 LIVE across Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD, Sony Ten 5 SD & HD.
Evra is one of the most decorated football players, who earned 81 international caps from 2004-2016. The former defender played 725 matches in club football, which included 379 matches for Manchester United from 2006-2014. He also featured in 82 matches for Juventus from 2014-2017. The left back was part of five title-winning Premier League campaigns with Manchester United. He also lifted the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with the English club. Moreover, Evra was also part of the Serie A-winning Juventus team in 2015 and 2016.
Evra has also won multiple accolades as he was adjudged the UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in 2003-04. He went on to make it to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year 2003-04, PFA Premier League Team of the Year thrice (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10), FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2009 and the UEFA Team of the Year in 2009.
Since his countless footballing achievements, Patrice’s focus has been to give back to others: whether it be joining the fight to end violence against children or promoting gender equality through charitable affiliations, spreading positivity with his I Love This Game movement or shining a light on racism and mental health issues in football.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul said, “We are delighted to have football legend Patrice Evra join our eminent panel for the biggest football tournament of this year, UEFA EURO 2024. Evra’s larger than life personality along with his experience, knowledge, and understanding of the sport will ensure a rich experience for our viewers. At Sony Sports Network, our commitment is to provide our audience with the best viewing experience of the marquee tournament, both on and off the pitch which makes Evra the perfect addition to the UEFA EURO 2024 panel.”
Evra said, “India holds a special place in my heart. I had a magnificent time in the country during my last visit and I cannot wait to follow this up with my partnership with Sony Sports Network for UEFA EURO 2024. Sony Sports Network has a great legacy as the Home of football in India and I am looking forward to contributing own experience and knowledge during the broadcast of the tournament. UEFA EURO 2024 is one of the biggest football tournaments in the world which will feature some of the best teams and players of Europe competing for the coveted trophy.”
Eight out of the top 10 FIFA ranked teams, including defending UEFA EURO champions Italy, will feature in the most-anticipated football tournament of the year as the hunt for the prestigious international title begins in Germany from 14 June 2024. Some of the most popular football players such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Harry Kane (England), Christian Eriksen (Denmark), Kylian Mbappé (France) and Manuel Neuer (Germany) will be seen in action during the competition. The flag bearers of European football will don their national colours and gun for glory at the biggest stage.
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.
