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DSPORT aims to build strong Indian connect with new wrestling entertainment show
MUMBAI: Amidst a cricket-dominated sports broadcasting sector, Discovery Communication’s two-year-old sports channel DSPORT is focusing on niche genres. While the channel has been looking at a localisation strategy since the beginning, it is now launching a new wrestling entertainment show Dangal Ke Soorma from 24 August.
Prior to the launch of the show, Lex Sportel MD and CEO RC Venkateish spoke to Indiantlevision.com on the objective of the show, advertisers’ response, marketing strategy as well as the content line up of DSPORT for the rest of the year. He also spoke on the industry issues regarding the impact of the new tariff order and economic slowdown on the channel.
Edited excerpts:
What is your objective behind launching Dangal Ke Soorma?
So, you know professional wrestling is the most followed sport in India. Since it has a big following in India, we thought of building a show with a strong Indian connect. It was possible to build a local feel for the product. That is why we are investing in this particular genre.
What kind of audience you are targeting for the new show?
The audience that follows pro-wrestling is primarily 15+ male in the 15-30 age group.
How has the response been from advertisers for the show?
We got some very good response. We are currently discussing with advertisers. Hopefully, in the coming week, we will be able to announce who is supporting us.
The marketing strategy is always developed by the in-house team. We are primarily focusing on all the work which is followed by the wrestling fans, a lot of digital activation, social media activation as well as promotions across the various platforms which are followed by fans.
What are the other sports rights you are planning to invest in currently?
We have a wide cache of sports. We cater to different audiences. We cut across genres. We have soccer, golf, water sports, tennis and pro-wrestling.
How has the channel performed in the first quarter of FY 20?
This year has started good. We started the year with Pakistan Super League but we had to take that off the air. We also have International Premium Kabaddi League which we showcased on our network. Then we are now launching our own show. So, it has been a good six months in terms of sponsors and properties that we have been showcasing on our channel. It has also been a hectic year in terms of new developments. It has been quite an interesting phase of learning.
What was the impact of new tariff order on the channel?
Regarding the channel, distribution is fairly extensive and the pricing is also pretty reasonable. Overall the package has also been well accepted for its price point.
It has been two years since the launch. Has the channel seen expected growth? How are you planning to expand your reach?
Yes, it has performed well. The objectives of the channel have been well met and exceeded.
As far as traditional TV is concerned, we are reaching almost all platforms. We are already on digital platforms like Jio, Airtel and Vodafone. Whatever new opportunities are there for distribution, we will exploit that.
Are you facing any difficulties in selling inventory due to an economic slowdown?
There has been sluggishness in the economy that impacted everybody. I won’t say we are less or more impacted. Overall the fact is, the economy is soft and the spending is also soft. So, it impacts everybody.
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.
