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Despite re-runs, sports broadcasters continue winning streak in week 14 of BARC
MUMBAI: With no live sports across the globe, sports broadcasters have been trying alternatives to keep sports enthusiasts engaged by showing the re-runs of archived historic matches of cricket, wrestling, kabbadi and football. This, indeed, has helped sports channels to gain traction, as per the last four-week data of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.
Though the impressions on these channels are not as good as when live sports matches are broadcasted, sports have definitely turned nostalgic to watch, be it the broadcasting of WWE’s legendary fights of veterans or cricket world cup matches aired by Star Sports.
BARC’s week 11-14 has gradually seen a rise-fall-rise in viewership pattern with week 13 (28 March-3 April) gaining most out of all four. As per the third edition of crisis consumption joint report of BARC-Nielsen, “Sports had surged by 21 per cent in week 13 over the last week on the back of telecast of classic India cricket matches & WWE.”
Star India is the official broadcaster to telecast the re-runs of historic matches, whereas WWE is a property of Sony Pictures Network. Week 14 (4-10 April) of BARC has seen marginal dip by over three per cent in terms of weekly impressions as compared to week 13. The current week is the second-highest in viewership during COVID-19 period all thanks to the re-runs of Cricket and WWE matches.
The first two weeks (Week 11 and 12) were weak for sports broadcasters to garner eyeballs as they were still grappling with the challenges of what to show exactly and how to keep the audience engaged. However, in the following week, Star Sports came up with nostalgic India versus Pakistan world cup matches and Sony put their weight behind a new show called ‘WWE Blockbusters’, a re-run.
Week 12 could be termed as a weakest week among all four weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sports channels during this week fell by around 14 per cent as compared to week 11, but immediately picked up in the following week by gaining at least 32 per cent in terms of weekly impressions.
The fourth edition of the crisis consumption joint report of BARC-Nielsen India says: “Wrestlemania-20 along with Indo-Pak classics led to highest viewership for sports genre during COVID-19 period.” The report shows a week 14 grew by five per cent to 10.3 billion viewing minutes as compared to 9.8 billion viewing minutes in week 13 in India 2 plus category during COVID-18 period.
COVID-19 has not only halted live sports but also the production of film and TV content. Dominating the re-run game, Doordarshan has been leading the pack by bringing back all 90’s hit shows along with two mythological shows such as Mahabharat and Ramayana. Viewers are flocking to TV channels to get nostalgic by watching re-runs.
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.
