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ITF claims good ratings for Davis Cup, Fed Cup
MUMBAI: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced that the Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties played in September 2005 recorded good TV ratings around the world, with the doubles matches leading the way. In India Zee Sports has the rights for the events.
France Television, host broadcaster of the France vs Russia Fed Cup Final played on Roland Garros Philippe Chatrier court, averaged a 20 per cent market share throughout the weekend (16-17 September 2005). The deciding doubles match on the Sunday averaged over 27 per cent of the market share and peaked with over six million viewers. Sport+ complimented the domestic coverage raising the total coverage in France to over 35 hours.
In Russia, RTR and NTV+ shared coverage of the final, dedicating over 30 hours of live and replayed transmissions. The final was broadcast in 68 countries including India, Spain, Belgium, the UK, US and Japan.
The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Semifinals (23-25 September 2005) also registered very good TV figures. HRT, the host broadcaster of the semifinal between Croatia and Russia, maintained the figures it had for previous rounds with over 40 per cent of the market share during Saturdays exciting doubles match, which went to five sets. RTR and NTV shared coverage of the tie in Russia, broadcasting over 40 hours of live, delayed and replayed coverage. The tie was shown in 38 countries.
Slovak TV, host broadcaster of the other semifinal between Slovak Republic and Argentina, recorded over 20 per cent of the market share during the three days of competition. TYC Sports showed the tie on a Pan Latin-American platform,bringing the total reach for this tie to 29 countries.
The Davis Cup World Group Play-offs, played the same weekend of the semifinals, also registered strong figures. SRG-SSR recorded a 34 per cent market share during the doubles match of the Switzerland vs Great Britain tie, while the BBC averaged over 15 per cent for the same match.
Strong results were also apparent for TVN Chile, with an average of over 36 per cent market share during the doubles match of the Chile vs Pakistan tie. Austrias ORF recorded 19 per cent during the deciding rubber against Ecuador. Belgiums RTBF held a 16 per cent share during the doubles match. In the Zonal qualifying events, Uruguays Canal 4 registered a 60 per cent market share during the deciding match against Brazil.
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.
