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TSA looks to give badminton a major push in the country
MUMBAI: This is a move through which sports marketing firm Total Sports Asia (TSA) is looking to promote the sport of badminton in India and Asia.
TSA has signed a a multi-year exclusive representation agreement with the International Badminton Federation (IBF) for all media rights in Asia-Pacific and Middle East.
All major IBF events starting from 2006 including the annual World Championship and the prestigious Thomas/Uber Cup and Sudirman Cup are part of the deal. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com this afternoon Total Sports Entertainment India (TSEI) MD Navneet Sharma said, “The qualifying rounds for the Thomas/Uber Cup takes place from 13-19 February 2006 in India. In the past India has produced great players like Prakash Padukone and Aparna Popat. However over the years the sport has lost some of its sheen perhaps because sports marketing firms concentrated on higher profile sports.
“However if you look at the scene badminton is played across India more than tennis because it is relatively inexpensive. There is a lot of awareness about the sport at the club and grassroots level. Our job will be to market and package these international tournaments that the IBF oganises.”
Sharma goes on to add that TSA is looking to work with both the IBF and local badminton aurhorities in India for organising tournaments within the country. This could be at the club level and also at the state level. Here international players could be roped in. Sharma also says that the pan Asia deal will improve TSA’s visibility in countries like Thailand, Indonesia and China where badminton has a large following.
“TSA will also play an active role in the re-positioning and re-branding of the IBF brand worldwide. We will be involved in getting sponsors on board the badminton events. Tha ratings that Badminton got in some Asian countries during the Olympic games last year was superb. Going forward we are looking to be associated with sports that have appeal acros Asia and not just in one country. That is where cricket is limited. It is huge in India and South Asia but if you look at the Far East it is not visible.” TSA will look to market the IBF events at the upcoming sports television market Sportel Monaco which takes place later from 24-27 October 2005.
IBF executive deputy president Datuk Punch Gunalan commented, “This is a very important agreement for IBF as it allows us to create a solid financial structure for the Federation. We were looking for a partner who could provide us with a wide range of skills and services and TSA covers all these areas and has offices in all our key markets.”
BAYERN MUNICH II SOCCER CLUB COMING TO INDIA
Meanwhile, as far as football is concerned, TSA has signed a deal to bring down the German club Bayern Munich II to India. The club will participate in the IFA Shield from 26-29 November 2005. TSA is also talking to several clubs regarding signing on India’s biggest football star Bhaichung Bhutia. Sharma says that in all likelihood Bhutia will return to East Bengal after having spent a season in Malaysia.
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.
