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SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all set to broadcast one of the most anticipated matches between Spain’s fiercest rivals — FC Barcelona and Real Madrid – El Clásico.
The coverage will be simulcast at primetime in India on 3 December at 8:15 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD as well as on the SonyLIV app and website. To enhance the experience of the highly-anticipated clash, SPN has innovated with a wraparound show that will be broadcast live from the Fan Park at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi.
The segment called the ‘El Clásico Show’ will be helmed by the former LaLiga star Luis Garcia along with host, Marc Edwards. It will showcase Luis Garcia reviewing the pre and post-analysis of the anticipated game before the kick-off until the end.
The show will commence at 8:15 pm, followed by the half time analysis of 15 minutes and will conclude with a 20-minute post-match review. The ‘El Clásico Show’ will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website for digital audiences.
Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul said, “For the first time in India, viewers will get to see Barcelona and Real Madrid at prime time. As a sports network, we have amplified the experience for the fans by not only giving them a prime time viewing experience but also giving fans an opportunity of being a part of the live screening of the match in Mumbai and Delhi for the first time with La Liga stars — Luis Garcia & Frederic Kanoute.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas added, “La Liga is thrilled to be able to share such an important match as El Clásico with all of its fans in India. We hope that they all attend and enjoy the huge party that we’ve prepared in New Delhi and Bombay. It’s going to be unforgettable for all the local fans.”
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.
