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Nimbus Sport to distribute international rights of BCCI cricket series
MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Nimbus Sport International Pte. Ltd. have reached an agreement whereby Nimbus Sport will distribute all media rights outside the territory of India for the forthcoming India-Sri Lanka and India-South Africa series.
The matches are being played in India in October and November 2005 for which Nimbus Sport will also distribute internet and mobile rights worldwide, states an official release.
BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra says: “We signed Nimbus up only yesterday and we are now assured that fans of Indian Cricket across the world will be able to enjoy the exciting cricket in store in these two series”.
Nimbus Sport chief executive officer Digvijay Singh says: “We are delighted to be working with the BCCI – the unique circumstances at this time are a challenge that we relish, and we have every intention of demonstrating once again that our global distribution abilities and speed of execution are major organizational strengths that sporting federations can rely upon to deliver results, every time”.
Recently, the company won five-year television production and sponsorship marketing deal of Indian football from Zee Sports. Earlier this month, Nimbus Sport produced and distributed this year’s edition of the domestic Indian cricket tournament Challenger Trophy 2005 worldwide for the channel.
Nimbus Sport’s portfolio also includes a contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board to manage sponsorship and signage for five series over three years starting January 2006. Nimbus has also has signed a three year three event deal to manage all rights of the Afro Asia Cup. This is apart from its ongoing contract since 2002 (with the Global Cricket Corporation) to manage media and sponsorship rights of ICC events including the ICC Champion’s Trophy India 2006 and the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007, the release adds.
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.
