News Headline
Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive
MUMBAI: Indian football fans, get ready for some top-tier German football action! Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT is bringing the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live and free to India, marking another milestone in the platform’s rapid expansion into live sports broadcasting.
Starting 4 February, Waves will stream the high-intensity knockout battles of Germany’s premier club cup competition, ensuring Indian fans get a front-row seat to the action. This move signals a major boost for Waves OTT as it cements itself as a go-to destination for live sports streaming.
Quarterfinals match schedule:
. 4 February: VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Augsburg
. 5 February: Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Köln
. 25 February: DSC Arminia Bielefeld vs. SV Werder Bremen
. 26 February: RB Leipzig vs. VfL Wolfsburg
Football lovers can expect edge-of-the-seat excitement as some of Germany’s top clubs battle it out for cup glory. With electrifying matchups and high stakes, the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals promise non-stop action.
The DFB-Pokal debut marks a significant moment for Waves, which has already gained traction with its Hockey India League (HIL) and DD Winter Sports Games coverage. With an ever-growing catalogue of live sporting events, Waves is rapidly positioning itself as India’s premier digital sports hub.
DFB (German Football Association) director of global media rights, Kay Daommholz emphasised the significance of this collaboration stating, “The DFB-Pokal is a cornerstone of German football, and we’re excited to bring these live matches to Waves for the first time. As the competition advances to the quarterfinals, the energy on the pitch is only going to heighten. This partnership with Waves ensures that fans across the region will experience the magic of the tournament firsthand.”
Echoing the excitement, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “This is an important milestone for Waves, marking our first live football broadcast. The DFB-Pokal has such a rich history, and we’re proud to be the platform hosting these iconic moments. It’s a clear signal of our commitment to growing the sports category on Waves and delivering thrilling live sports experiences to our viewers.”
The first quarterfinal match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. FC Köln, kicks off live at 7:45 pm GMT on Tuesday, 4 February (01:15 AM IST on Wednesday, 5 February). Don’t miss the chance to witness footballing excellence from one of Europe’s most prestigious cup tournaments.
With this groundbreaking move, Waves OTT is set to revolutionise live sports streaming in India, making world-class football accessible to millions.
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.
