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ESS claims excellent response for ‘SportsCenter’
SINGAPORE: It may have burnt its fingers with its pre and post-match shows around the cricket World Cup but when it comes to sports news updates ESPN Star Sports (ESS) is right on the money.
The broadcaster has said that its Asia versions of SportsCenter are growing swiftly in peoplemetered markets across the region.The data shows that among professionals, managers, executives and businessmen (PMEBs), SportsCenter consistently rates upto four times better than any news programming on cable – including their in-programme sports segments (TN Sofres, Jan – Dec 2002).
42 per cent of all Indian cable viewers chose it over other sports shows. The figure touched 50 per cent among PMEBs. (TAM Media Xpress India, Jan – Dec 2002) In Singapore, peoplemeter data showed that 51 per cent of all cable individuals watched SportsCenter Asia. The number jumped to 54 per cent among professionals, managers, executives and businessmen aged 25 to 44, ahead of the competing sports news programs on other cable news channels.
The data also shows that Sportscenter rated much better than the top cable programming on other channels including action, news, documentaries, movies and music programming (TN Sofres Infosys, Jan – Dec 2002). In Hong Kong, 57 per cent of all cable viewers watched SportsCenter, with the figure rising to 66 per cent among PMEBs. (NMR Telescope, Jan – Dec 2002).
As part of its localisation strategy where content is tailored to the culture, language and viewing habits of the region ESS began offering sports news content relevant and familiar to its viewers. In April 2001, SportsCenter Hindi for India was created, followed by SportsCenter Taiwan and SportsCenter Asia (for South East Asia and Hong Kong). Collectively, all three Asian versions of SportsCenter go out to 127 million homes across the network’s footprint.
MD ESS Rik Dovey said, “It does not surprise us that SportsCenter is rating this well, and particularly among PMEBs who are the target of many advertisers. Our main bulletins face tough opposition as they are scheduled at prime time, but they answer a major audience need for high quality sports news.
SportsCenter is one of our biggest programming initiatives and reflects the company’s investment in high-quality long-term sports programming. We have footage from more events than any of our competition, we have first class presenters and producers delivering sports news at a level previously unavailable to audiences in Asia, tailored for our major territories and 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.
