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Sony Six and Pal bags telecast rights of Syed Modi International Grand Prix
MUMBAI: Sony Six and Sony Pal will be broadcasting the semi-finals and final matches of the Syed Modi International Grand Prix 2015.
Sony Pal will telecast the live event with Hindi feed between 2 – 7 pm on 24 and 25 January. To further strengthen the viewership of the tournament, the deferred telecast of the semi-finals and finals will be on Sony Six in the prime time evening slot (7 pm onwards). Taking under consideration the growing popularity of badminton in the country, Sony Six has undertaken the route of deferred feed in prime-time to ensure greater audience reach.
Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Akhilesh Das Gupta said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sony Six in bringing the final culminating stages of the tournament live to our audience. With the dual language feeds, prime-time telecast, high-quality content and sheer sporting action, we are optimistic in our mission to further advance the popularity of badminton across markets in India.”
BAI vice president, administration T.P.S. Puri added, “It gives us great pleasure to award the broadcast rights of the semis and finals of the tournament to Sony Six. With this viewers will be able to witness some of the best of international and domestic badminton talent take the court.”
Sony Six business head Prasana Krishnan said, “The tournament is an exciting addition to our line-up of some of the best in domestic sports content and we are thrilled to be associated with such a grand event that hosts few of India’s brightest sporting talents. This year with the introduction of the Hindi feed and prime time telecast, we aim to tap into the rising popularity of badminton in India and cut across varied audience profile.”
Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal will be seen looking at kick-starting her title defence against the likes of third seed P V Sindhu and the reigning world champion Carolina Marin of Spain. This year, the tourney will also host the best of domestic badminton talents including P C Tulashi, K Srikanth, Ajay Jayaram, H S Prannoy, RMV Gurusaidutt, Shreyansh Jaiswal and K Ajay Kumar amongst many more, battling it out for the title.
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.
