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TFI is the host broadcaster for Rugby World Cup
MUMBAI: Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) has appointed French broadcasting organisation TF1 as the host broadcaster for Rugby World Cup 2007 in France.
This is the result of a competitive tender process conducted on its behalf by RWCL commercial advisors IMG/TWI.
RWCL MD Mike Miller said, “RWCL is delighted to be working with TF1, Frances biggest broadcaster. TF1 has vast experience in the broadcasting of major world sporting events. The appointment is wonderful news for French rugby fans who will be able to see every match live from RWC 2007 and RWC 2011, either on TF1 or on Eurosport France.
“The interest in these rights was unprecedented. We received tenders from all four major broadcast organisations – TF1, France Television, Canal Plus and M6. All the presentations were impressive but TF1 exceeded all the others in its commitment to promote and market the Rugby World Cup allowing us to reach new audiences and grow the game of rugby in France.”
TF1 claims to be Frances largest terrestrial (free-to-air) broadcaster. It claims to enjoy a 34 per cent share in France. At least live matches will be shown free-to-air for both RWC 2007 and RWC 2011. In addition, the other 28 matches will be shown live on its fully-owned Eurosport France channel.
TF1’s senior vice-president in charge of broadcasting Etienne Mougeotte said, “TF1 remains the leading broadcaster in France and actively seeks to broadcast big global sporting events in which the French National team has a genuine competitive interest. The Rugby World Cup fits perfectly with the programming we wish to offer to our viewers and we will do our very best to ensure the Rugby World Cup is given the widest coverage and the greatest exposure possible.”
TF1 is a part of the European Broadcasting Union consortium that will broadcast the 2012 Olympic Games.
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.
