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ESS launches SportsCenter in Malaysia
MUMBAI: MESPN Star Sports (ESS) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sport (KBS) have announced the launch of the Malaysian version of SportsCenter.
The show will air on ESPN from April.
The localised version of SportsCenter will be produced in Malaysia, presented by Malaysians and cover the best international and local sports. With a focus on the latest news from the Malaysian sporting scene, Malaysian sports fans can expect to see more of their sporting heroes and follow the latest happenings on this sports news programme that will be broadcast every weeknight on ESPN.
This initiative is a part of the multi-year strategic alliance signed by the Ministry of Youth and Sport and ESS in October 2005 to raise participation and interest in sport in Malaysia.
TMalaysia Minister of Youth and Sport, Datuk Azalina Datuk Othman Said, said, “The Ministry of Youth and Sports is pleased to spearhead this project to bring Malaysian sports closer to the fans at home. SportsCenter is one of the most recognisable and award-winning sports news programmes. We are confident that the Malaysian version of SportsCenter will have a positive impact on all sports-loving Malaysians who will enjoy following their heroes on a show with renowned high production standards. KBS’ aim to create sporting icons and promote the sporting culture in Malaysia will be better served with this partnership.”
ESS Asia MD Jamie Davis says, “We are delighted to work with the Ministry of Youth and Sport to bring our world-famous SportsCenter programme closer to home for Malaysian fans. The KBS has a vision and ambition to build a strong, long-term and active sporting culture in Malaysia and we are proud to play our part to bring this to reality.”
Malaysia is home to world beaters such as Nicol David (squash), Shalin Zulkifli (bowling), Lee Chong Wei (badminton) and Siti Zalina Ahmad (lawn bowls). In addition, Malaysia plays host to a great number of international sporting events annually including Le Tour de Langkawi, Formula One Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix and MotoGP, the Monsoon Cup, the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament, and the World Badminton Championships.
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.
