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Sportel Asia sold out to 250 companies from 41 countries
MUMBAI: With less than a week to go before the sports television market Sportel Asia 2005 market opens, all available floor space has been sold.
Over 250 companies from 41 countries have registered for the market. The announcement was made by Sportel Asia executive VP David Tomatis. The event takes place from 14-16 March 2005 in Hong Kong.
Acquisitions executives have registered from 36 countries, including India, Australia, China, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, UK and the US. Tomatis said, “We are extremely pleased with the way the market is shaping up and we are bang on target in terms of registrations. We are especially happy with the strong turn-out of buyers from all of the major markets in the Pacific region. The list includes Zee Sports, ESPN Intl, Fuji TV and ESPN Star Sports. Asia has become an extremely important area for televised sports and Sportel Asia 2005 will clearly reflect that.”
In addition to the three day market at the InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel, Sportel Asia will feature an opening cocktail party sponsored by The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (Dagoc). Dagoc and its official host broadcaster, Doha Asian Games Broadcast Services (DAGBS) will also organise an event Organising and Host Broadcasting the 15th Edition of the Asian Games – Doha 2006.
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.
