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Multi Screen Media Network acquires exclusive broadcast rights of the ATP World Tour
MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media Network has announced that it has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast tournaments as part of the global Elite – Men’s Professional Tennis Circuit; the ATP World Tour, for the next 5 years commencing January 2016.
As part of the rights package, the network will air the live telecast of ATP’s premium tier events, the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events and the ATP World Tour 500 events alongside the prestigious season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. In addition to the live telecast, the channel will broadcast the highlights and the news service which will include player interviews around the series of tournaments.
The ATP World Tour is therefore yet another addition to the network’s line-up of live tennis events which presently includes the Australian Open and the Champions Tennis League.
Speaking on the new development MSM CEO NP Singh said, “Sports in India have a strong cultural significance and a way of unifying viewership across audiences. Tennis is a high-consumption sport and the ATP reflects the best of men’s tennis globally. Our association with ATP is a strategic step in the direction of firmly establishing our commitment to tennis which is recognized as one of the most followed sports in the world.”
Sony SIX and KIX business head Prasana Krishnan asserted, “The ATP World Tour will feature the world’s best tennis players on our network throughout the year. Our fans can now look forward to the world’s top ranked players in men’s professional tennis. This is a valued addition to our line-up of major tennis events on our network, making it the one-stop TV destination for tennis enthusiasts.”
Commenting on the deal ATP Media CEO Mark Webster, “We are delighted that MSM has acquired the rights to the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and 500 events along with our season finale, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. We are certain that MSM will provide the passion and superb production values required to showcase the finest male tennis players competing at the world’s most exciting venues.”
The ATP tournaments determine player rankings as well as the seeding for the Grand Slam tournaments. The men’s tennis season concludes each year with the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals which is now considered the biggest tournament outside of the four Majors and often determines the year-end No. 1 Emirates ATP Ranking. The event is notable for some outstanding matches in the sport’s history due to its unique round-robin format.
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.
