News Headline
BBC launches sports news programme for children
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC will launch its first ever sports news programme dedicated to children. Sportsround will be a new addition to the Newsround portfolio and will be shown weekly on Saturdays on BBC One.
It will provide a round-up of the stories behind the week’s sporting headlines, preview big sporting events, run features on different sports and show viewers how they can become involved in sporting activities. The programme will also focus on issues affecting sport and young people and feature grass roots reports by Sportsround’s reporters – Adam Fleming, Ade Adepitan and Lizzie Greenwood. There will also be reports from Press Packers – younger viewers who submit ideas for reports via the website and subsequently film them for the programme.
Sportsround will also interview some of the biggest names in sport and kicks off with the man of the moment, scorer of Northern Ireland’s winner over England, David Healy – who will feature in the first programme on Saturday 10 September. CBBC Controller Alison Sharman said: “We know children love sport, but we haven’t till now had a dedicated sports programme for them. Sportsround will break new ground, bringing some of the biggest sporting talent to young audiences, as well as getting kids more involved in taking part in sporting activity. I am keen that sport becomes a central part of CBBC’s output as it plays such a vital part in developing healthy lifestyles for our youngsters.”
Sportsround will be presented by CBBC anchor Jake Humphrey, who is an extreme sports fan and a keen snowboarder. Humphrey says, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to present Sportsround. I’m sports mad and it really is a dream come true to land this job. I also think it’s really important for children to get involved with sport as early as possible so they can learn about things like team work and discipline. And just as importantly, if children aren’t playing sport now, where will we find the Freddie Flintoffs and Wayne Rooneys of the future?”
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.
