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Zee Sports to telecast WTA Eastbourne live
MUMBAI: Zee Sports will telecast one of the most prestigious women’s events in world, WTA Eastbourne. Taking place from 19 to 24 June 2006 and finishing just 48 hours before the start of Wimbledon. The importance of this US$ 6,00,00 tournament goes without saying, as it offers players a last opportunity to fine tune their game on grass before taking to the courts of the All England Club. Zee Sports telecast of the tournament will start from Quarter Finals onwards.
This year’s Eastbourne tournament features some of the most successful tennis stars in the world. The quality of entries at the Championships is highlighted by the fact that the four semi finalists at this year’s French Open Clijsters, Henin-Hardenne, Kuznetsova and Vaidisova will be swapping clay for grass when they battle it out again at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park. They will be joined in Eastbourne by three former top five players, Anastasia Myskina, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Daniela Hantuchova, all of whom are intent on lifting the prestigious trophy.
Zee Sports, ace tennis presenter Tina Sharma along with rising Indian Tennis star Sanaa Bhambri will present the preview and review show of each match. Sports Cafe, Zee Sports daily news programme, will present the highlights and analysis of the best moments of the matches, to complement the outstanding live coverage.
Schedule of WTA Eastbourne
WTA Eastbourne Quarterfinals 3:30 pm onwards
WTA Eastbourne Semi Finals 3:30 pm onwards
WTA Eastbourne Finals 5:00 pm onwards
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.
