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Sony Entertainment to broadcast American College Cricket
MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television Asia (SET Asia) has acquired the exclusive media rights for American College Cricket (ACC), and will be the official broadcast partner beginning the season of 2016, ACC stated in a press release. SET Asia will broadcast major match-ups including regional and national semi-final and final matches.
President of American College Cricket Lloyd Jodah, announcing the new broadcast partnership arrangement, said, “It’s the right time, and Sony is the ideal Broadcast Partner for American College Cricket to go back on TV. Since March 2009, we’ve been setting the bar for cricket in America, and Sony’s experience in broadcasting major tournaments will ensure we take cricket in the USA to the next level. America & Canada will get to see the young talent representing well-known universities, which in addition to their educational reputations, are major brands in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer and more. American College Cricket has created a new platform which, together with SET Asia will raise the stature of the game in North America significantly higher.”
Across the US and Canada, there is a growing number of students who are ardent cricket fans. Many play at a local or regional level. ACC and SET Asia will provide opportunities for them to play the sport at a competitive, national level. With an ever-increasing interest in the game and growth in available resources, cricket in North America is now poised to exponentially expand its player and viewership base.
Talking about the role of SET Asia, SVP International Business-Head of the Americas Jaideep Janakiram said, “SET Asia is developing relevant, localized content to cater to the preferences of youth in the United States. We believe cricket, played locally, will be a driver for success. We are excited about the partnership with ACC, not just broadcast rights but also the key role we play in amplifying the game in North America.”
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.
