News Headline
Sony pads up for youth power as U19 Asia Cup action hits Dubai
MUMBAI: Nothing fuels December cricket fever like a fresh batch of prodigies and Sony Sports Network is teeing up the perfect winter binge as the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 goes live from 12 to 21 December in Dubai. Riding high on the smashing success of Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, which drew 30.4 million unique viewers nearly five times the previous edition, the Network is now primed to spotlight the continent’s next big names.
India enters the tournament with its young arsenal fronted by captain Ayush Mhatre, vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, and breakout sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose standout Asia Cup Rising Stars performance sealed his place in the squad. His inclusion is already tipped to spike viewer curiosity and adrenaline.
The tournament features eight teams split across two groups:
Group A — India, Pakistan, UAE, Malaysia
Group B — Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal
With rivalries reignited including the always-electric India vs Pakistan on 14 December Dubai is set for ten days of high-stakes, high-heart-rate cricket.
Sony Sports Network will broadcast every ball across its Ten channels, with live streaming on Sony Liv. The network says this tournament continues its commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricket icons.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head of sports business Rajesh Kaul said the network is “thrilled to bring fans the exclusive telecast,” adding that the tournament is a showcase of Asia’s future stars and a key piece of Sony’s growing youth-cricket portfolio.
Key Match Highlights (all matches at 10:30 am):
India vs UAE – 12 Dec
India vs Pakistan – 14 Dec
India vs Malaysia – 16 Dec
Semi-finals – 19 Dec
Final – 21 Dec
With talent sharpening, rivalries brewing, and the spotlight squarely on cricket’s next generation, Sony Sports Network is giving fans a December where the kids aren’t just all right, they’re unmissable.
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.
