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CFL derby’s lofty ratings defies urge to merge domestic leagues
MUMBAI: The outpour of ecstasy and glamour in the first edition of Indian Super League (ISL) easily outclassed the other existing Football leagues in India. Subsequently, pundits and authorities began debating if other leagues should stay or be merged into one.
Silencing all cynics are the ratings of the Calcutta Football League (CFL) derby match between Mohun Bagan FC VS East Bengal. Aired on Star India’s regional channel Star Jalsha, the derby match garnered highest ever ratings for a CFL match.
Approximately 82,000 spectators were at the edge of their seats in the stadium for the match’s entire 90 minutes duration, while 16.3 lakh people tuned in to Star Jalsha to watch it live. The average time spent was a whopping 58.4 minutes. The match garnered a rating of 4.45 per cent in NCCS 4+, in M 15+ ABC marker the match clocked six per cent ratings while the reach garnered is 10.2 per cent in NCCS 4+.
Star India gives much importance to the production quality and that’s one of the reasons why ratings are going up. “I believe that the ratings will go even higher the next time,” says Grey Mind productions founder Anilava Chatterjee. “We deployed 14 cameras this year and we are improving the production quality every match thanks to Star. The quality of football is getting better. Overall, the league has a great future,” he adds.
A football commentator, on condition of anonymity, said, “I have no doubt that the domestic leagues in India in some regions have more fan following than ISL. Sports now is a matter of packaging and Star is a master in that. That’s why ISL looks so colourful. Spend the same amount of money in local football and that will also look glamorous. From a football follower’s perspective, I feel India needs both and a merger can turn out to be a debacle.”
“Local football has potential of revenue generation if and only if it is packaged properly. Also the domestic leagues can be of huge benefit for broadcasters as the acquisition costs are low. Now it’s for IMG and the authority to decide if a merger is the solution,” added a veteran in media selling fraternity.
Football in India has failed to attract the youth and one of the main reasons behind it is lack of ideologies. Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has often made a point at various public gatherings, “Youth in the country, while growing up wants to be like Gavaskar, Sachin and Dravid. When they will have idols in football, the sport will grow enormously.”
Recently former India football skipper Baichung Bhutia also expressed his disagreement on a merger. Now it remains to be seen if high ratings saves the domestic leagues from getting diminished.
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.
