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Sony Six bags Champions Tennis League broadcast rights
MUMBAI: Sony Six has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights of Champions Tennis League. The inaugural league will take place between 17 to 26 November and will be held in six cities in India.
The league formed of six teams will witness national and international tennis talent with each team having top ATP and WTA players, captained by a tennis legend. Each team in the Champions Tennis league will feature one male and one female international player ranked amongst the top 25 in the ATP and WTA rankings. Each team will also have an international legend as their playing captain, apart from a noted top ranked Indian male tennis player. Two juniors, aged under 21 will also be a part of the team, selected by the All India Tennis Association, in order to give them exposure and the experience of playing with some of the best players in the world.
MSM India CEO NP Singh said, “Introduction of Champions Tennis League will help redefine the Indian tennis market paradigm. This will be a landmark event that will put India on the global map of tennis, featuring some of the world’s greatest tennis stars playing right here in our country. We are excited about this partnership and believe that the tournament will be a perfect blend of tennis and entertainment that has never been seen in India.”
Sony Six EVP and business head Prasana Krishnan added, “We are delighted to have Champions Tennis League on board as this acquisition signifies yet another endeavour by Sony Six into bringing diverse sports offerings to the viewers. Champions Tennis league will be a treat for viewers as they will get to see the best of tennis action where International players and our National talent share the court. We believe that the league will not only give a fantastic viewing experience to the viewers but also help young Indian talent to perform on a grand stage.”
Second Serve chairman and managing director Vijay Amritraj said, “I am delighted that The Champions Tennis League in its inaugural edition will be seen on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. This would be first time that an event of this nature with top international players, men and women along with some wonderful legends will be seen in six cities across India. I am also proud to say that our Indian Davis cup players will be alongside the international players, along with two Indian youngsters, a boy and a girl; who will be on the team to practice and gain experience traveling with these top players. It will be a spectacular 10 days for sports and tennis lovers across the country.”
The six teams will play 12 matches over an eight day period, with the matches kick-starting from 17 November. The teams will be structured into two groups, each having three sides each, where they would play each other in a home and away format. The top team in each half play each other in the 13 match on the 10 day for the inaugural Champions Tennis league trophy.
All the games will be featured live and exclusive on Sony Six and Sony Six HD.
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.
