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ESS derives distribution benefits from World Cup
MUMBAI: The ongoing FIFA soccer World Cup in Germany has helped ESPN Star Sports (ESS) get back on board over 600 cable operators who had severed ties with the sports channels even as football viewership increased.
Confirming the development, ESPN Software India distribution head Sricharan Iyengar told Indiantelevision.com, “The World Cup has done wonders for network development (read getting ESPN and Star Sports on cable networks and on prime band).”
Many cable networks, which had de-activated ESS signals owing to varying reasons, replacing the sports channels with other in-demand ones, decided to again do a samba with ESS as the football magic unfolds in Germany and public pressure built up for football.
“I would say, between 600-700 networks across India have either re-activated ESS signals or have signed up with us afresh,” Iyengar said, adding the response has been more than enthusiastic and anticipated.
For example, ICC cable network in Pune, which had been involved in a running battle with ESS over non-payments of dues, kissed and made up soon after the World Cup got underway.
Industry observers also felt that the patch-up happened as ICC feared in the absence of ESPN and football, there could be subscriber desertion to Dish TV’s DTH service, which had stepped up its sales pitch in places like Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad.
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.
