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Indian tech-caster SportVot goes Down Under
MUMBAI: SportVot, the cloud-powered production outfit that has quietly revolutionised how the world watches second-tier sports, is making a play for Australia’s local leagues and community competitions. After sizing up the market down under, the Indian tech firm has appointed Tim Anderson to captain its Australian innings as managing director.
With over 300,000 matches already under its belt across 30 sports in more than 20 countries, SportVot’s proposition is deceptively straightforward: professional-quality broadcasts without the eye-watering price tag that typically keeps smaller competitions in the shadows.
“Australian sport is deeply rooted in community engagement,” says Anderson, fresh in the hot seat at SportVot Australia. “We’re here to ensure every sport, every tournament and every athlete gets the attention they deserve.”
The firm’s toolkit extends beyond mere live streaming. Its platform churns out quick-fire clips and highlights packages—social media catnip that sports administrators increasingly see as crucial for fan engagement and commercial pull.
SportVot co-founder & CEO Siddhant Agarwal is bullish about the Australian market: “Australia is one of the most passionate sporting nations in the world,” he notes, playing a straight bat. “Our technology is built for scale, and we are excited to see it empower Australian sports like never before.”
The move follows months of quiet courtship with national and state sporting bodies across Australia. For community leagues accustomed to shaky smartphone footage or no coverage at all, SportVot’s arrival could mean the difference between playing to empty stands and building genuine digital followings.
Whether Australia’s sporting landscape is ready for this democratisation remains to be seen. But with SportVot now padded up and taking guard, the country’s grassroots competitions may soon find themselves enjoying exposure previously reserved for the big leagues.
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.
