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Disney Star breaches the 500 million mark in TATA IPL 2023
Mumbai: Disney Star, the official television broadcaster of TATA IPL 2023, has etched its name in history by delivering the biggest IPL ever on television, making it the first cricket tournament to register over half a billion viewers. According to BARC, an astounding 505 million viewers tuned in to Disney Star’s live broadcast of the matches. Disney Star has accumulated a staggering 427.1 billion minutes of watch time for the live broadcast of the matches, underscoring the immense popularity of the tournament among passionate fans. Furthermore, the broadcaster has witnessed a remarkable growth of 32% in match TVR* compared to the last edition.
The finals between GT and CSK registered a peak concurrency of 64.1 million- the highest for IPL 2023. Additionally, 47 out of 74 matches registered peak concurrency of more than 30 million. The Hindi Speaking Markets continued to break records with 334 million fans watching the tournament, a growth of 47 per cent compared to the last edition. Viewership among kids also increased by 64 per cent compared to the last edition, emphasizing that IPL is most enjoyed together on the big screen. The broadcaster has reached new heights in high-definition (HD) broadcasting, with an incredible 101 million viewers tuning in to the HD broadcast. This number is three times higher compared to last year, demonstrating the growing preference for high-definition sports viewing.
Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta said, “We are thankful for the overwhelming support of our fans, who joined us in our journey to make Tata IPL 2023 the most-watched Cricketing event in India’s broadcast history. From last ball nail-biters to high-scoring thrillers, from the addition of the impact player rule to the emergence of future stars, from the last spot on the playoffs being decided in the last league stage match to the tournament winner being decided on the final ball, this edition of IPL has been special in many ways. Countless memories will be etched in cricket history including the fact that is the first time that half a billion viewers tuned in for a Cricket tournament.”
“We would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the BCCI, the players, and the franchisees for putting on such a spectacle. We believe our #BetterTogether campaign and world-class coverage of the event bolstered the efforts of the entire ecosystem. As we celebrate this historic IPL season, we are energized to continue pushing the boundaries and delivering exceptional cricket experiences across linear and digital screens to fans across the country,” he added.
Disney Star’s monumental achievement in broadcasting the TATA IPL 2023 has been a massive success, cementing its place in the annals of sports television history. The pre-tournament build-up programming created history by attracting a record-breaking 205.6 million viewers, setting the stage for an unforgettable season. The broadcaster’s efforts to engage and captivate viewers by providing best-in-class content and surround programming have yielded exceptional results. The overwhelming response from viewers across demographics showcases the success of TATA IPL 2023 and highlights the broadcaster’s commitment to delivering high-quality content that resonates with audiences.
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.
