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ABU strikes broadcast deal with Dentsu for Asian Games
MUMBAI: With the coming of the next Asian games in 2006, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the sports marketing company, Dentsu Inc, representing the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
According to the predictions of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)secretary-general David Astley, the television coverage of next year’s Asian Games in Doha will be the most extensive in the event’s history.
The MOU, which contains the heads of agreement for the broadcast rights for the 15th Asian Games for 35 territories in the ABU region, was signed by Astley and Broadcasting & Image Rights for Dentsu deputy director and GM Kiyoshi Nakamura in front of over 200 delegates from 45 countries at the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the OCA’s 24th general assembly in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the president of the OCA, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, director general of the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee, Abdulla K. Al Qahtani, and ‘Orry’, the mascot for Doha 2006.
“We will be taking the games into more than 30 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, a tremendous increase over what we were able to achieve for the last Asian Games in Busan,” stressed Astley.
Astley added that the coverage that would be provided in December 2006 would l demonstrate to other sports property owners and marketers the effectiveness of working collaboratively.
“I must congratulate the OCA and Dentsu for embracing our idea of getting a television deal in place early so that we could set about the most important task of creating sponsorship and advertising value.”
He further stated that by committing early they have been able to increase the number of territories and the potential TV audience by a huge margin.
“That is a tremendous result and should excite brand managers around the region,” Astley said.
The ABU have now left it up to the individual broadcasters to get behind the event and pursue commercial opportunities where they accepted advertising revenues.
“We have a long lead time for our members who sell airtime to fully leverage a positive result out of the Doha Games. Those who don’t carry advertising or sponsorship can also produce and promote coverage that will deepen station loyalty,” Astley concluded.
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.
