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Manu Sawhney elevated to EVP ESPN Star Sports Asia
NEW DELHI: ESPN Star Sports today announced the promotion of Manu Sawhney to the newly-created role of executive vice-president, programming and marketing.
Sawhney was previously the network’s senior vice-president, programming and event management. He remains based in Singapore with region-wide responsibility for all programming matters related to ESPN Star Sports networks across Asia as well as the Event Management Group, which manages and promotes Asian sporting events such as the Asian X Games and San Miguel 9-Ball Tour. Before his move to the network’s Asian headquarters in Singapore, Sawhney was Managing Director of ESPN Software India.
In his new role as EVP, Sawhney will assume an expanded role, which includes two additional portofolios, network presentation and marketing communications. The integration of the programming, event management, network presentation and marketing communications functions will be key to the network’s strategy of re-defining its viewing proposition to fans as well as trade clients across Asia. Kim Carver, vice-president of network presentation and Stephenie Vasko, vice-president of marketing communications will now report directly to Sawhney.
Sawhney will report directly to Jamie Davis, newly-appointed managing director of ESPN Star who said today, “Manu has enjoyed a very strong track record of success with the network – first in South Asia, and more recently completing several major acquisitions which have proved integral to ESPN Star Sports owning its position of leadership in sports broadcasting. The network continues to grow from strength to strength and with the introduction of new media and new competition, Manu, together with his expanded team, will be pivotal in redefining the value of sports viewing and taking ESPN Star Sports to the next stage of growth.”
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.
