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ESPN ANNOUNCES CRICKET ANALYSIS SYSTEM
ESPN announced the launch of the world’s most advanced scoring and analysis graphical system, NAMADGI with the ICC Knockout tournament beginning October 3. The Namadgi system named after a hillock near Canberra, Australia was created over an 18 month period by a team of software developers headed by Steven Hodgeman and Donavan Edge and ESPN ‘s producer Joy Bhattacharya. The analysis system can provide 260 charts of the live day’s play, based on 11 parameters each from bowling, batting and fielding. For instance, the bowling data will be compiled including where the ball was, what it did off the air, the bounce of the ball, and what it did off the pitch. The qualitative analysis will emanate based on the weightage factor, which team plays who, and whether the matches are played at home, on neutral ground or away from home.
Manu Sawhney, Managing Director of ESPN Software Ltd. said that the Namadgi was a fourth generation system, having successfully passed through testing score cards, ball by ball, with two or three variables, and now with 11 variables for batting, bowling and fielding. The analysis system will be integrated with the Cricket Ratings system in partnership with Samsung India. The live ball by ball analysis will be framed over an 18 month period, and include data from all International cricket matches played by teams telecast on ESPN, Star Sports and other channels. “The Namadgi scoring and graphical system will raise the bar in cricket analysis by offering players, commentators and viewers a tremendous opportunity, “Sawhney pointed out.” For us, it will offer various avenues for clients to be associated with.” Added well known commentator Harsha Bhogle, “the Namadgi data will help commentators frame a complete picture of the match.”
ESPN will include an interactive element at the ICC Tournament as well. Viewers can ask questions to expert commentators on the game situation, player performance, team strategy or forecast via live phone-ins. ESPN producer Bhatacharya said that the data and analysis will be available on the Internet at www.espnstarsports.com for consumer and corporate use.
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.
