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JioCinema records 32mn viewers on final day of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Mumbai: Even as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 draws to a close, JioCinema heralds a new era, with digital viewership surpassing TV in India for the first time for a global marquee sports event. A record 32 million viewers tuned in to JioCinema on the final day of what was arguably the most extraordinary FIFA World Cup Final, as Argentina won the trophy for the first time since 1986.
Over 110 million people watched the content on digital, making India one of the top digital viewing markets for the FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 held India’s attention with a massive 40 billion minutes of watch time being clocked across Sports18 and JioCinema, which remained the No. 1 downloaded free app on iOS and Android throughout the tournament.
The app’s rapid rise can be attributed to consumers’ growing preference in India for watching sports on smartphones and connected TVs. JioCinema enhanced viewers’ live experience with a never-before-seen Hype Mode, providing fans with exclusive offers at their fingertips during a live match. It featured a multi-camera view of the game, real-time trivia and stats, and a Time Wheel that allows viewers to relive an unforgettable moment.
The event’s strong digital viewership was aided by its widespread availability on multiple OEM and CTV platforms, including Jio STB, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Sony, Samsung, LG, and Xiaomi, among others. For the first time, CTV viewers were able to watch the world’s most prestigious football tournament in UHD 4K via JioCinema.
Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj said, “We promised to give consumers easy access to the world-class presentation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and on the back of that, the tournament became the most-watched global sports event on digital where India has not participated,”
He added, “This demonstrates the power of digital and the preference viewers and fans have shown to consume their favourite events, which will now see Paris Saint-Germain teammates and FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe and FIFA World Cup and Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi join forces in the Ligue1.”
Fans were treated to a world-class studio on Sports18, as well as JioCinema, which featured an All-Star lineup of World Cup heroes, including Wayne Rooney, Luis Figo, Robert Pires, Gilberto Silva, and Sol Campbell.
Brands that partnered with the world’s most prestigious football tournament on JioCinema and Sports18 received unprecedented recall. Over 50 brands from e-commerce, banking, financial services, auto, fashion, hospitality, and fintech took advantage of the quadrennial showpiece’s reach.
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.
