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Doordarshan now wants all matches of men’s hockey WC
NEW DELHI: Even as TV sports channels are wracking their brains as part of a public consultation to justify why proposed tweaking of rules relating to mandatory sharing of signals of sporting events is not a good idea, the Indian government has gone ahead to notify hockey World Cup for sharing with the pubcaster.
Star India holds the broadcast rights of the men’s hockey World Cup 2018 to be held in the Indian state of Orissa from 28 November to 16 December 2018. The matches are scheduled to be aired on Star Sports channels and streamed live on the media company’s digital platform, Hotstar.
In a notification dated 13 November 2018, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has stated that all the matches of the men’s hockey WC were “sporting events of national importance”. Meaning? The matches would have to be shared by Star with pubcaster Doordarshan, which will telecast them on its terrestrial network and FTA DTH platform, DD FreeDish.
If hockey is a notified sport, any rights holder in India would be compelled to share it with the national broadcaster. So, what’s new in the latest notification?
As per the 2007-legislated sports rules, only the semi-final and final matches are to be shared with DD at a mutually decided financial arrangement. DD suddenly realised it needs all the matches for DD Sports as the tournament was being held in India and, hence, the fresh directive from the MIB that used a technicality in the official rules to include the whole hockey tournament.
Industry watchers feel that such arbitrary actions by the government not only harm India’s image, but can also impact the business models of sports channels in the long run that acquire content at high prices. For example, Star bagged the broadcast rights for cricket IPL last year, beating original holders Sony and other tough bidders, at a mind-boggling price of $2.55 billion.
Meanwhile, the public consultation that has been initiated by the MIB takes the mandatory sharing of sports signals of notified sports a step further. The amendments seek to make legal re-distribution of DD signals by other distribution platforms of TV signals (like LCOs, MSOs and may be OTT platforms) — something that’s unlawful presently.
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.
