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Sania Mirza continues association with Sony Sports Network as brand ambassador for tennis ahead of Roland Garros 2024
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network is delighted to announce that Indian tennis player Sania Mirza has extended her association as the brand ambassador for tennis that includes Roland Garros, US Open & Australian Open amongst other tennis properties from the broadcaster’s sports portfolio. Mirza will next be seen as the expert panellist on Sony Sports Network’s flagship studio show Extraaa Serve during the live coverage of Roland Garros.
Mirza is one of the most successful Indian tennis players in history with six Grand Slam titles to her name. She is a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri as well as the Padma Bhushan. She will be next seen sharing her expert opinions and in-depth analysis for Roland Garros on Sony Sports Network. Along with Sania Mirza, Sony Sports Network will have Olympian & former India No. 1 and Asian Games & Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Somdev Devvarman and Davis Cup player Purav Raja on the expert panel for Roland Garros.
Played on the toughest surface in tennis, one can expect surprises as the tournament comes into action on 26 May 2024, LIVE on Sony Sports Network. Roland Garros 2024 will be aired in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu from the get-go, raising the excitement levels of the Indian tennis fans. Sony Sports Network is the Home of Tennis in India, with three out of four Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros & US Open, along with ATP Masters and Davis Cup in their portfolio.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “We are absolutely delighted to extend the partnership with Sania Mirza, who continues to share her invaluable expertise and insights of the sport as the Tennis Ambassador on Sony Sports Network. This partnership will help us maintain our stance as the Home of Tennis is India in its truest sense, with the broadcast of the most important tennis tournaments complemented by unparalleled expert analysis.”
Mirza said, “Following a year full of unforgettable memories in Grand Slams, I am elated to stay with Sony Sports Network as the brand ambassador and expert panellist. The upcoming Roland Garros will be a special one as world tennis ushers into a new era of greats. I am looking forward to being part of Sony Sports Network’s mission of bringing fans closer to the sport and providing tennis the recognition it deserves in India.”
Former India No. 1 and Asian Games & Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Somdev Devvarman said, “It’s always a pleasure to be part of Sony Sports Network’s broadcast of top tennis properties. The upcoming Roland Garros is slated to be a special one in many ways as the sport continues to see a paradigm shift with brilliant new talent coming up. I am thrilled to be part of all the excitement and passion that Roland Garros 2024 will bring along.”
Considered as the toughest Grand Slam of all, this will be the 128th edition of Roland Garros as the world’s finest tennis players gear up for the clay season’s special. Rafael Nadal, popularly known as the ‘King of Clay,’ has been crowned the Roland Garros champion for a record 14 times. The Spanish maestro missed out the last time due to injury and will be gunning for glory after the long hiatus.
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.
