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JioStar acquires exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for US Open for the next five years
MUMBAI: JioStar announced that it has acquired the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for the US Open Tennis Championships for the next five years. Secured by the USTA’s media rights agency, IMG, this landmark partnership will see every match from the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center broadcasted on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, delivering every ace, rally, and match point directly to millions of Indian screens.
This year’s edition promises edge-of-the-seat drama, rising stars, and battles between a growing generation of legends as the men’s and women’s singles Main Draw will be played across 15 competition days. Indian fans will be treated to breathtaking tennis action with Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, Novak Djokovic, and Coco Gauff taking the court and Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka looking to defend their men’s and women’s singles titles respectively.
The tournament also announced a reimagination of its US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, which this year will feature 16 star-studded pairs all vying for US$ 1 million in prize money going to the winning team. The blockbuster field will include many of the men and women ranked in the Top 10, nine Grand Slam singles champions and veritable legends of the game. Alcaraz will be pairing up with Emma Raducanu, Sinner is entered with Emma Navarro, Świątek will double up with Casper Ruud, Djokovic will come together with fellow Serbian Olga Danilovic and Venus Williams will compete with Reilly Opelka. On top of that, Ben Shelton will pair with world doubles No. 1 Taylor Townsend and the defending US Open Mixed Doubles Champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori will compete to defend their title.
As part of its coverage, JioStar will continue bringing its host of tech-driven and fan-first innovations that will redefine how one of the largest-attended annual sporting events in the world is experienced. From multi-language commentary to exclusive behind-the-scenes access on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, viewers will enjoy immersive storytelling and interactivity around the tournament like never before.
“We are thrilled to add the US Open to our expanding portfolio of world-class sporting events. This association with the USTA deepens the range of premier global sports content available to fans on our platforms,” said JioStar head of international acquisitions & syndication, Harry Griffith. “With the US Open, JioStar is now the home of two of the four prestigious Grand Slams, offering year-round tennis coverage and reaffirming our commitment to delivering top-tier live action to every corner of the country.”
“We are delighted to partner with JioStar to bring the US Open to our fans across India,” said USTA chief commercial officer, Kirsten Corio. “JioStar’s forward-thinking, digital-first approach and their vast scale make them the ideal partner to carry the tournament into a new era. We look forward to connecting with tennis fans on the platforms they use most, delivering a world-class viewing experience that is innovative and engaging.”
This strategic addition further reinforces JioStar’s reputation as India’s ultimate sporting destination, with rights to ICC events, India Men’s and Women’s Cricket teams, TATA IPL, TATA WPL, Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League, and a lot more. With a calendar packed with premium sporting content, JioStar continues to lead the way in providing fans with seamless access to the most anticipated sporting moments from India and around the world.
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.
