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Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD to live telecast UFC 196 in India
MUMBAI: The latest addition to Sony’s sports cluster Sony ESPN channels will broadcast the highly anticipated UFC 196, live and exclusive, on 6 March 2016, at 0830 Hrs on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD.
Witnessing UFC’s consistent viewership in the market, Sony ESPN is taking a step forward in growing the sport’s popularity and has launched an MMA Fan Club called The Octagon.
The Octagon was formed for people who simply love MMA and will create unique community experiences for fans. The Octagon’s first fan initiative is hosting a special breakfast screening of UFC 196, live at the Hard Rock Café. Sony ESPN is conducting an on air & social media contest for viewers who can win an exclusive opportunity to be a part of The Octagon experience.
The fight card will be headlined by Featherweight Champion, Conor McGregor who will take on lightweight contender Nate Diaz in the highly anticipated match-up. McGregor’s popularity grew exponentially after he defeated Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to win the Featherweight title in UFC 194. He had hoped to win the lightweight belt simultaneously before Dos Anjos pulled out, citing an injury. His new opponent for UFC 196, Nate Diaz, whose brash style is expected to make a strong draw, has already grabbed eyeballs from a lot of MMA fans worldwide.
Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Holly Holm will put her title on the line against No. 2 Miesha Tate in the co-main event. This will be Holly Holm’s first title defence after she dethroned former champion, Ronda Rousey in November.
Tate’s recent fight was a one-sided win over Jessica Eye, with her striking technique and is expected to put up a tough show against Holm in the upcoming fight. As a result, UFC 196 could prove to be a colossal of an event.
The UFC 196 fight card live screening will be taking place on March 6, 2016, at 0800 Hrs at the: Hard Rock Café, near Fun Cinema Lane, Off Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, Mumbai – 400053. The screening is also open to walk in consumers who would like to be a part of the community experience.
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.
