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FIFA U-17 WC: SPN India to telecast in three languages – English, Hindi, Bengali
MUMBAI: With two days to go for one of the biggest international tournaments to be hosted on its home soil, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has announced its programming initiatives for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India designed to enhance the viewing experience.
The sports cluster of the network is all set to telecast the 22-day tournament in three language feeds – English, Hindi and Bengali on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 & SONY ESPN channels.
SPN has also given footy fans another reason to look forward to the tournament with the return of its flagship studio show, Football Extraaa. The live studio show will be hosted by Seema Jaswal, TV presenter and known sports enthusiast, and will feature expert international panellists, Luis García, former Spanish professional footballer (ex-Barcelona and ex-Liverpool player), Stuart Pearce, former English national U-21 team manager and David Moyes, former Everton and Manchester United coach. The experts will share the screen space with Indian stalwarts like Padma Shri Bhaichung Bhutia, former captain – Indian football team, Sunil Chettri, current captain to the Indian football team and Renedy Singh, former Indian footballer.
Football Extraaa will be aired during the course of the tournament with a pre–show at 4:15 pm followed by a mid-show and post-show. The studio show will serve not only football enthusiasts with match analyses and insights, statistics and interesting trivia but also appeal to bench viewers alike. The show was first telecast during one of the biggest international football tournaments of 2016, UEFA EURO 2016.
SPN India president sports and distribution business Rajesh Kaul said, “The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India, one of the most anticipated events of the year, is set to transform India’s sports landscape. As official broadcasters of the tournament, we are committed to reaching out to a wider audience and enhancing the viewing experience.”
“We are bringing back, Football Extraaa, our flagship show for the tournament which presents some of the biggest names in international and Indian football on a single platform. With in-depth analyses and renowned football experts’ comments, we promise to provide an unparalleled sports viewing experience that appeals to our audience, both football fans and bench viewers, in the Indian sub-continent,” he added.
With the sports cluster providing local language feeds and bringing back Football Extraaa, sports enthusiasts across India can expect an enhanced viewing experience to watch the future stars of football in action and cheer for their favorites. The coveted tournament will have 24 teams playing across six venues in India and fans will witness some of the best talent from around the world in the under-17 category.
The tournament will take place between 6 October and 28 October, 2017 in English on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 2 HD, SONY ESPN & SONY ESPN HD channels. For Hindi and Bengali language feeds, tune in to SONY TEN 3 & SONY TEN 3 HD channels.
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.
