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Ten Sports bags international hockey rights
MUMBAI: Not too long after renewing its deal for the ratings buster World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Ten Sports has added another feather in its cap – international hockey.
The broadcaster has signed a contract with the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the world governing body for field hockey.
With this agreement, Ten Sports has secured the rights in the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and Hong Kong for both the men’s and women’s World Cup, to be held in Monchengladbach, Germany, and Madrid, Spain, in September 2006, as well as the men’s and women’s Champions Trophy through year 2008.
Taj Television CEO Chris McDonald said, “Hockey has a massive following in the Sub-continent and is easily the most popular sport after cricket. With our acquisition of the cream of the FIH events, Ten Sports remains the premier sports channel for hockey fans.”
Taj Television V-P programming Peter Hutton said, “It is great news for us to be able to show the men’s and women’s hockey World Cups for the first time, and to be able to say with confidence that we have all the best hockey events for years to come.”
FIH president Els van Breda Vriesman commented, “Ten Sports has shown loyalty and commitment to FIH and our major international hockey events since our first partnership with them that began three years ago. I am delighted that we are able to continue our partnership.
FIH marketing manager Steven Morris said,”This is FIH’s first television distribution deal since we took control of our rights earlier this year.
“Financially it is the highest value ever for FIH and it also carries with it significant minimum broadcast commitments from Ten Sports to guarantee extensive exposure of our sport in the territories. Its increased value reflects the investment that FIH has made in its television production and standard of major events in recent years.”
The Sahara Hockey Champions Trophy for men will be played in Chennai, India, this year from 10-18 December. The women’s Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy is scheduled for November 26-December 4 in Canberra, Australia. In August 2005, Ten Sports will also telecast the much anticipated eight-Nations Invitational tournament from Amstelveen, Holland.
Ten Sports further states that it has been a major supporter of hockey ever since its launch in April 2002. Ten Sports acquired the rights of Champions Trophy that year, and also telecast the four-nations tournament from Holland in 2004.
How rival ESPN Star Sports, which through its Premier Hockey League (season one is now over) has spent serious money in pushing hockey at the grasroots level in India, responds to this development will be watched closely.
The schedule of FIH hockey events on Ten Sports is as follows
| Date | Event | Venue | |
| 14-21, August 2005 | 8-Nations Invitational | Amstelveen (Holland) | |
| 26 Nov – 4 Dec, 2005 | Women’s Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy | Canberra (Australia) | |
| 10-18 Dec, 2005 | Men’s Sahara Hockey Champions Trophy | Chennai (India) | |
| 6-17 Sep, 2006 | BDO Hockey World Cup | Monchengladbach (Germany) | |
| 27 Sep – 7 Oct 2006 | Rabobank Hockey World Cup | Madrid (Spain) |
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.
