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Sony Sports Network to showcase the highly anticipated UFC debut of Anshul Jubli live at UFC 294
Mumbai: The leading broadcaster in India, Sony Sports Network will bring all the world-class Mixed Martial Arts action of UFC 294 Live from the Etihad Arena, on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The event is set to be a historic affair headlined by the UFC lightweight championship in which current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will take on UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. Volkanovski steps in on short notice in a rematch that follows their epic clash from earlier this year at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, where Makhachev defeated Volkanovski via unanimous decision.
In the co-main event, UFC fans will be treated to a spectacular clash of two well-known middleweights as former UFC champion Kamaru Usman steps in to face surging contender Khamzat Chimaev.
UFC 294 is stacked with compelling storylines: a light heavyweight bout between top contenders Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker; middleweight prospect Ikram Aliskerov welcomes back Warlley Alves to the division, and Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov will battle to earn a top-15 bantamweight ranking.
UFC 294 holds immense significance for UFC in India as India’s very own Anshul Jubli makes his UFC debut. Anshul, born and trained in Uttarakhand, became the top MMA prospect in India by winning the ROAD TO UFC tournament in 2022. His signing to UFC instantly raised the profile of India in the sport of MMA. Anshul will be looking to add another victory to his flawless record of seven wins and zero losses when he faces Mike Breeden in a lightweight bout on the early prelim card.
Sony Sports Network’s coverage for UFC 294 will be kicked off by their flagship studio show before the event, the Ultimate Guide to UFC 294, which features experts Somesh Kamra and Arjun Chipalkatti. The broadcast starts at 7:30 pm IST with a pre-show leading up to Anshul Jubli’s bout. There will also be a review show of Anshul’s bout where the experts will analyze the bout in depth, and provide technical insights into the results. The show will then lead into the Main Card which begins at 11:30 pm IST.
UFC Athlete Indian Anshul Jubli commented, “I am excited for my UFC debut bout and will be looking to put in a stellar performance against Mike Breeden who is a challenging opponent. I have been preparing for this moment all my life and have been tirelessly working towards it. Even now, it seems like a dream. I believe I was built for this, and have put in a lot of hours perfecting my craft, but it still feels surreal. I do understand that I am representing India in the UFC and the crucial role I can play in popularizing the sport in our country. I also understand that aspiring combat sports athletes will look to me as a role model.”
Watch the live coverage of UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21 October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 11:30 pm IST.
Watch the live coverage of Anshul Jubli’s debut bout against Mike Breeden at UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21st October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels with the pre-show starting at 7:30 pm IST.
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.
