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Starsports.com and Twitter join hands
MUMBAI: Starsports.com and Twitter have evolved their ongoing strategic partnership. Twitter users will now be able to directly view Starsports.com videos in-stream, without leaving Twitter. This is a first of its kind integration for a TV brand in India.
This is yet another step forward for the broadcaster to create a stronger sports experience on digital. As part of the partnership, whenever a link to Starsports.com is tweeted, Twitter users on mobile will have the option to download the Starsports.com App. Earlier this year, @starsportsindia also became one of the first ‘handles’ that viewers could follow through Twitter’s SMS service and choose to receive tweets from the account as texts. Star Sports also regularly leads innovative broadcast integration of Twitter to fuel social TV experiences, as has been evidenced during this year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup, Super Fight League, BCCI International matches where fans have been encouraged to follow, tweet and more.
Twitter India market director Rishi Jaitly said, “Twitter is the world’s leading, real-time information network where users consume content that is live, public, conversational and mobile. In India, Twitter has brought our users closer to the best of national and international sport. We applaud Starsports.com for embracing the Twitter platform in this way.”
World over, sports is a key driver of social conversations. The strategic partnership with Twitter is a step in transforming the sports landscape on social media. Starsports.com was launched in June creating India’s first multi-sport destination on digital, with a live video experience that gives the fan complete control of his viewing experience, including a video timeline that allows him the ability to watch exciting moments of the game in an easy and intuitive fashion. Starsport’s launch campaign hashtag #GetOverTV trended worldwide during its launch, establishing Twitter as a key medium to engage with its core followers. The network’s handle @starsportsindia, which was started earlier this year, already has close to 1.5 lakh followers. It is amongst the most influential accounts in media in the country.
Star India head of digital business Ajit Mohan said in a release, “Starsports.com is the leading multi-sports destination on digital in India. We are keen to continue to engage the most ardent sports fans in the country and our partnership with Twitter is a continuation of that commitment. Making these videos available for easy consumption will dramatically improve the nature of the social conversation around sports in India.”
The in-stream video service will be first rolled out for videos that form a part of the Sachin Memory Project – a unique initiative by Starsports.com to commemorate the little master’s retirement. Over a 100 curated videos dating back to the 1980s will be made available as part of this initiative on a timeline that marks how his career has evolved, even as the world changed around him.
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.
