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Ten Sports signs on Sumangali Cable in Chennai, but most of Mumbai will miss out on World Cup soccer action
World Cup soccer telecaster Ten Sports announced late tonight (30 May) that its parent Taj Television and distribution partner HMA Udyog had struck a deal with the Sun Network-promoted and Tamil Nadu major Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV) under which the channel would get distribution on the latter’s cable TV network.
Yesterday, Taj Television CEO Chris McDonald had announced deals with RPG Netcom in Kolkata, Asianet in Kerala and Hathway in Bangalore and Chennai, taking Ten Sports penetration up to 18 million homes. Today’s SCV tieup, means that the channel’s penetration is likely to be closer to the 19-20 million homes range with other smaller deals with CATV networks all over India also being struck, a company spokesperson added.
McDonald also announced that the sportscaster had not been successful in forging agreements with the large MSOs in Mumbai – InCable and Hathway. “Most of Mumbai will sadly be deprived of the World Cup Soccer telecast,” said McDonald.
Among the CATV networks in Mumbai which will relaying Ten Sports at the first kickoff of the FIFA tourney tomorrow figure Seven Star and Bhawani Hathway.
“We are asking for an effective rate of Re 1 per sub from the MSOs,” disclosed McDonald.
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.
