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Match fixing a distant memory as viewers tune in to cricket
The cricket scam seems to have be relegated to the history books as India’s passion for the game has resurfaced and how. Over 18.8 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports to watch the first India Vs South Africa one-day match held at Johannesburg on 5 October, according to figures released by ESPN Star Sports.
The India Vs South Africa match was the top rated programme of the day, and all other popular general entertainment soaps and programmes had to take a back seat this time, a company release says.
According to market research agency ORG MARG’s Intam data, the TVRs reached 15 for all male adults 15+ ABC all India (24 markets) during the prime television viewing time between 9 pm and 10 pm, while TVRs for all female adults was close to 12. The cumulative reach of Star Sports channel was as high as 30 per cent during a single day for the duration of the match.
Managing director of ESPN Software India, Manu Sawhney, says: “The phenomenal ratings for India-South Africa cricket at prime time television prove that live cricket featuring India offers the sponsors the best value and an opportunity to reach the millions of satellite television homes across the country. Cricket is a religion in India and the passion for the game cricket cuts across all audience demographics.”
Coca-Cola is the presenting sponsor of the series while Samsung, BPL, Madura Garments, LG, Bajaj Auto, Asian Paints and Indian Rayon are the associate sponsors with over 50 brands being advertised on the series. The series has also received a tremendous support from advertisers with feature programmes such as Contests, Spectacular Catches, Cricket Ratings, Action Replays, Super 6’s, Master blaster.
Will the “saas bahu” sagas be sent for a six this Diwali? Well that would be something, wouldn’t it?
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.
