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STAR Sports’ fan-first initiatives boost digital engagement for IPL 2024
Mumbai: Since the start of the 17th edition of the IPL, Star Sports’ social media platforms have experienced an extraordinary surge in engagement, witnessing 300 per cent growth compared to 2023 edition. Additionally, the broadcaster recorded over one billion views and reached out to more than 100 million unique users during the entire IPL 2024 season.
The broadcaster celebrated the cricketing festival across the nation with its multifaceted approach, providing fans with various experiences through on-ground activations and social platforms. Anchored by the incredible star cast of experts, Star Sports Believe ambassadors and more than 2000 creators from Star Sports Creator Network, the broadcaster has woven together a myriad of engaging initiatives, embodying the essence of IPL fandom.
“We are ecstatic by the overwhelming response from fans across the nation during this IPL season. The incredible growth in engagement on our social media platforms and the widespread reach we achieved is a testament to the passion and love of fans and viewers that unites us all. Our dedicated efforts to create a vibrant and immersive fan experience, have truly brought the spirit of IPL to life. We remain committed to enhancing digital engagement and delivering unparalleled experiences to our fans and viewers”, said Star Sports Network head – marketing Vikram Passi.
Starting with ‘Star Nahi Far’, the broadcaster provided a unique opportunity for fans across the lengths and breadths of the country to meet their favourite IPL players and legends up close and personal. Star Sports Believe ambassadors like Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and cricket legends like Steve Smith and Stuart Broad among others were part of this unique initiative by Star Sports. Over 50 million unique cricket enthusiasts nationwide across 1450 cities actively participated in Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ contest to meet more than 20 IPL stars, making it the biggest contest on Glance.
Speaking on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant said, “Meeting fans through Star Sports’ wonderful ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative was an incredibly humbling experience for me. Their unwavering support and heartfelt wishes during the tough times touched me. I had a fantastic time interacting with everyone and playing gully cricket, which brought back so many cherished memories. The love and encouragement from the fans have fueled my determination, and I can’t wait to give my best for the country.”
In another initiative, Star Sports’ “Dream Job” offered aspiring creators to be next face on Star Sports for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This eight-week challenge during IPL 2024, around key narratives of the on-going season, garnered an overwhelming response, attracting 5,500 entries from a diverse array of participants spanning different demographics, geographies, and walks of life. Some entries gained significant attention on social media, with one reel amassing over 61 million views, highlighting the wide array of talent in the country. Overall, the Star Sports Dream Job activation was a unique initiative leveraging the digital ecosystem to discover talent that resulted in more than 310 million views. Soumi Dey Sarkar, a national-level athlete in powerlifting and a runner, has bagged the prestigious Star Sports ‘Dream Job’ following a robust selection drive during the TATA IPL 2024.
Star Sports also collaborated with over 100 top influencers across India throughout the season. There was a special match organized between creators and former cricketers under the banner of “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge”. The match features influencers like Dharna, Abhishek Malhan, Aakash Gupta, and Viraj Ghelani playing alongside Steve Smith, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Ambati Rayudu. Partnerships with creators like CarryMinati and Madan Gowri added diverse content.
Speaking about his association with Star Sports for the TATA IPL 2024, CarryMinati said, “Working with Star Sports on the TATA IPL 2024 was a special experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to showcase a different side of the tournament. Working alongside cricket legends and hearing their insights was truly memorable.”
Moreover, ‘Incredible Premier League School Quiz’ ignited the passion of young cricket fans, nurturing their love for the sport and creating unique opportunities for brands targeting this enthusiastic consumer cohort. The second instalment of this quiz has attracted a record-breaking 2.1 lakh participants from over 17,000 schools.
The broadcaster has also closely worked with multiple platforms such as Meta, YouTube, Glance and Josh among others to better serve the fan. With the fan approach and regular engagements, the broadcaster has built a robust fan community of 50.9 million* fans across YouTube, Instagram, X, Facebook and WhatsApp and largest sports community on WhatsApp in India with more than 15.50 million followers.
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.
