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Sony serves another ace with extended Australian Open rights
MUMBAI: Tennis fans across India and the subcontinent can mark their calendars with confidence. Sony Pictures Networks India has extended its exclusive broadcast partnership with Tennis Australia, ensuring the Australian Open continues to land on Sony screens for the next three seasons.
The renewed agreement keeps Sony as the sole television and digital home of the year’s first Grand Slam across India and neighbouring markets including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan. From early-morning rallies to late-night tie breaks, every match from Melbourne Park will be available on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on Sony LIV.
Since 2015, Sony has been the familiar voice and picture of the Australian Open for Indian viewers. The extension builds on a decade-long relationship and underlines the network’s push to deliver premium global sporting events with local flavour, multi-language commentary and studio-led coverage designed to make the action accessible to casual viewers and die-hard fans alike.
The Australian Open is where the tennis season truly begins, setting the tone with sun-soaked courts, big personalities and career-shaping moments. Over the years, champions such as Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have lifted the trophy, turning Melbourne Park into a theatre of modern sporting legends.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution and international business and head of sports business Rajesh Kaul, said the renewal reflects the broadcaster’s long-standing commitment to tennis audiences across the region. He added that comprehensive coverage across television and digital platforms, combined with expert-led studio shows and rich highlight content, would bring fans closer to the energy of the tournament than ever before.
Tennis Australia chief executive officer Craig Tiley, welcomed the extension, noting Sony’s role in deepening the Australian Open’s connection with millions of viewers across India and the subcontinent. He said the partnership would continue to deliver world-class coverage and storytelling that captures what makes the Australian Open one of the sport’s most anticipated global events.
With the rights secured and the courts set, Sony is ready once again to serve up summer tennis, straight from Melbourne to living rooms and mobile screens across the region.
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.
