News Headline
SPSN launches new digital miniseries ‘The Medal of Glory’
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) will bring fans closer to some of the biggest names in Indian Olympic history with the launch of the new digital series called Sony Ten presents The Medal of Glory.
The 15-episode digital miniseries fills the void of live sports for viewers and will be streamed exclusively on the sports network’s digital assets. The series will be hosted by the commentator, anchor, and sports presenter Raman Bhanot from 1 May 2020 at 5 pm.
Raman Bhanot, a veteran in the field of sports commentary and India’s first sports presenter at the Olympic channel will indulge in conversations with various renowned Olympic medal winners such as Leander Paes, Abhinav Bindra, Sakshi Malik, Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar to name a few.
The Medal of Glory will showcase never-heard-before conversations with Olympians talking about how they are faring during the lockdown, their fitness and diet regimes, their journey to victory, representing India at international tournaments and the importance of hitting the ground running once life resumes normalcy. The miniseries will also include engaging fun segments, snippets and stay home messages to their Indian fans.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer, distribution and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul says, “This is a first for Sony Sports in the digital space, a very unique initiative where we’ve tried to bring fans up close and personal with our own Olympic champions. These are unique circumstances for the sports community and we are hopeful that such initiatives will fuel renewed interest and excitement amongst the sporting community.”
Bhanot says, “Sony Ten presents The Medal of Glory celebrates the achievements of decorated Indian athletes at the pinnacle of the sport, the Olympics. It has been an amazing experience to interview these Olympians who have shared their stories in a candid and engaging manner.”
“The series takes an inside look at what's keeping them occupied during this lockdown period, lesser-known incidents about their successful Olympic campaign and more,” Bhanot adds.
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.
