News Headline
Eurosports India records 53% growth in reach for Tokyo Paralympics
Mumbai: Eurosport India has recorded a 53 per cent growth in reach and 37 per cent increase in the time spent for Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games. The sports channel from the Discovery stable, saw a rise in viewership and reach for the weeks of 30-35, 2021, as per the latest data released by BARC, which was a result of their marquee global properties including Moto GP and All Elite Wrestling, alongside the Paralympic Games. Eurosport India was the only TV partner for the Paralympics in the SAARC region.
The Paralympic Games alone helped the channel scale 60 per cent of its total gain during a period when live sports viewership dropped by 11 per cent across the sector (week 35, 2021). A 360-degree approach with an equally robust digital push saw Eurosport India achieving an additional reach of over 22 million with over 24 million impressions on social media during the 13-day long quadrennial sporting event. The Paralympics witnessed the best ever finish by team India, with 19 medals including a record-breaking five gold medals.
Speaking about the development, Discovery Inc senior VP of affiliate sales and product distribution for Asia – India sales & distribution and Eurosport India head Vijay Rajput said, “It has been a short journey for Eurosport in India, and we are very happy that in our own signature way we have certainly proven that our varied sports content beyond cricket is gradually creating its niche amongst passionate sports fans of India.”
“Being home to Olympics in Europe, adding the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games to our SAARC roster was a well-thought strategy and we are delighted to see the results which also prove that we are rightly reading the passionate sports fan’s choices. It is a matter of privilege and pride that Eurosport India was able to support them in this journey by bringing their untold stories of triumph to our viewers,” Rajput added.
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.
