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SPN brings stars of football with live wraparound ‘Football Extraa’
MUMBAI: To make even better one of the biggest international football tournaments in the world – the UEFA Euro 2016 — SPN’s sports cluster is all set to make it truly the biggest experience for the country!
With Football Extraa, SPN brings to its viewers some of the iconic football names on a single platform with England and Liverpool football legend Robbie Fowler; Ex-Portugal and Barcelona player Deco; and India’s football team captain Sunil Chhetri.
Sony Pictures Network CEO NP Singh said, “We started investing heavily in acquiring football rights about five years ago and it was only in 2012 we eventually launched our first sports channel, but our investments started before that when we acquired for UEFA Euro rights, FIFA 14, FIFA 18 and we are in the middle of Euro 2016. Copa America, African Cup of Nations, AFC, The interest in football is growing very fast, youth is following football more than us when we were young. We are very excited that FIFA U-17, will be in India and for the first time India will participate.”
‘Football Extraaa’ is a live wraparound show which features an in-depth analysis of different aspects of the matches that promises to enhance the viewing experience for the Euro 2016. The tournament coverage that started on 10 June 2016 is telecast live and exclusive on Sony Six and Sony ESPN channels as well as SonyLIV.com at prime time slots of 5.30 pm, 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm.
Featuring insights from some of the best known players in club and country football, Joe Morrison mediates discussions with expert panellists about the tournament. With technical aspects of the game and interesting trivia on the tournament, ‘Football Extraaa’ not only caters to hard-core football fans, but also garners the interest of football novices. Interviews with football players, features, fan interactions, and Live social media activities, take the interest level of this show several notches higher.
SPN Sports Cluster EVP business head Prasana Krishnan, “The UEFA EURO 2016 is one of the biggest and most watched international football properties with a global fan following. The extended offering of ‘Football Extraaa’, helmed by some of the most influential names in football, has an engaging format that delivers an unparalleled viewing experience to football fans. The in-depth analyses of the panellists appeals to a broader set of viewers that includes both fans and novices. It’s been a week since Euro 2016 began and the response for both the tournament and the show has been overwhelmingly positive on our platforms.”
Sony Six telecasts the English language feed for the tournament while Sony ESPN gives viewers the option of watching these matches in Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil or Telugu language feeds. On the digital front, Sony LIV streams the tournament coverage live.
With the recent acquisition of marquee football properties, like LaLiga, Serie A, UEFA Euro 2016, Copa America Centenario, 2018 FIFA World Cup and the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for the inaugural season of Premier Futsal, the Sports Cluster of SPN continues to reinforce its position as the ‘Home of Football.’
Adding to all the action and excitement, SPN will be the host broadcaster for FIFA U-17 World Cup which is being hosted by India for the first time. As a destination for the best sporting content from around the world, the Sports Cluster of SPN has grown into one of India’s fastest growing sports network, with marquee properties like Australian Open and The Rugby World Cup amongst others.
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.
