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SPN India to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016 tomorrow
MUMBAI: The sports cluster of SPN will broadcast the eighth edition of one of the biggest futsal tournament in the world, the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016.
The opening game of the tournament between the host country Columbia and Portugal will be simulcast on Sony Six, Sony Six HD and Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD at 625 am IST on 11 September.
With the telecast of the first premier Futsal in July this year, the sports cluster of SPN became forerunners in bringing futsal to the Indian viewers. The league saw legends of football and futsal come together for the first time in a unique and pioneering model. The success of the tournament has led to a considerable spike in the demand for futsal viewing.
The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is an international championship, organized by FIFA and held every four years, between two football World Cups.
The reigning champions, Brazil, will defend their title this year with some of their marquee players like Fernandinho and Falcao expected to create futsal magic with their footwork. Up until now, Brazil and Spain have been the only two countries who have claimed the title of Futsal World Cup champions, with Brazil winning five and Spain winning two times.
SPN sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is the biggest futsal tournament in the world and we are happy to bring this experience to our Indian football fans. It is a known fact that futsal has massive potential in India. With the broadcast of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, the popularity of the game is expected to further increase considerably. With plenty of football fans lapping up the skills, it won’t be long before futsal becomes the norm of the nation.
With the acquisition of some of the key European football properties like the UEFA EURO 2016, LaLiga, Serie A etc., we have tried to bring to our audiences unmatched viewing experiences. With the telecast of Premier Futsal and now the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, we aim to diversify our football broadcast portfolio to a large extent,” Kaul added.
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.
