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ESS revamps event management group, adds new responsibilities
MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has announced the expansion of the role of Richard Young, vice-president of the companys event management group to include programme development and the promotion of Bill Cooper to director, client services, event management group.
In addition to Youngs responsibilities as head of the ESS event management group where he oversees the relationships with major rights holders and suppliers of events, as well as the operations, client servicing and broadcast elements of the group, his new role will include a focus on market driven program creation and the development of existing programming on the ESPN and Star Sports channels to better suit viewers in each market.
ESS also announced the promotion of event management groups Bill Cooper to director, client services. Coopers responsibilities were expanded to include the key role of supporting and maximizing the companys sales relationships with major sponsors. Cooper will augment his efforts for the event management group with assistance to the sales department in working with the companys top clients to maximise their benefits. He will report directly to Young.
The changes in both Young and Coopers responsibilities are anticipated to deepen ESS relationship with viewers in each market and will utilize the companys resources in multimedia, marketing and event management to further the viewing experience of the Asian sports audience.
The event management group specialises in creating, managing, promoting, consulting, producing and syndicating world class sporting events throughout Asia. The group has been awarded numerous awards, among them; Best Promoted Event in 1998 and 1999 awarded by the ATP and best sporting event in Hong Kong in 1998 and 1999 awarded by the Hong Kong Sports Development Board, and best event organiser in 2000 awarded by the Singapore Tourism Board. The group has managed over 100 events in 11 countries
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.
