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MSM’s Sony Six to broadcast Yonex Sunrise India Open
MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media’s sports channel Sony Six will exclusively broadcast the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2014. The tournament is set to take place between 2-6 April at the Siri Fort Indoor Sports Complex in New Delhi. The tournament will witness, some of the best international badminton talent, including Men’s singles world champion Lee Chong Wei and current Women’s singles world champion Ratchanok Intanon.
Sony Six business head Prasana Krishnan said in a press statement: “We are thrilled to be associated with such a grand event that hosts some of India’s brightest sporting talents. Being in its fourth edition, the tournament has garnered huge popularity and following amongst fans and spectators alike. We aim to tap into the rising popularity of badminton in India as well as leverage on the India connect with audiences through the participation of India’s finest in the tournament.”
Besides the current top ranking international talent, the tournament will also feature India’s Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, P Kashyap and K Srikanth amongst many more vying for the prestigious title. The high profile tournament will ultimately feature a hit-list of players including the entire top-10 women and seven of the top-10 men`s singles players competing for valuable ranking points ahead of the London Olympics.
This year’s open will play an even more significant role for the players as well as organisers since it features as a prologue for the upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup team championship which will he hosted at the same venue later this year.
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.
