Sports
Former test umpire David Shepherd passes away
MUMBAI: David Shepherd, the former England test umpire, died today after losing his long battle with cancer. He was 68.
Shepherd was among the most popular and longest serving international umpires having officiated in 172 ODIs, including three successive world cups, and 92 tests between 1983 and 2005.
The portly Shepherd was a hit with the players and fans for his good humored-approach to officiating and his odd superstitions in particularly Nelson – the famous Shep’s ‘jig‘ when scores reached 111 or a multiple thereof. His final county appearance came at his former home ground of Bristol. Shepherd had represented Gloucestershire as a batsman over a 14-year career, which included 282 first-class matches and 12 centuries.
After retiring, Shepherd returned to Devon and remained involved with his local club. He married Jenny, his long-time partner, in 2008.
Sports
Sony secures exclusive India rights for 2026 Asian Games broadcast
SPNI to air Aichi-Nagoya Games across TV and Sony LIV streaming
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 Asian Games, bringing the continental multi-sport event back to the Sony Sports Network for Indian audiences.
Scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026, the Games will be aired live across Sony’s sports channels and streamed on Sony LIV. The deal covers India and the wider Indian subcontinent, ensuring broad regional access to one of Asia’s biggest sporting spectacles.
The acquisition comes at a time when India’s interest in multi-sport events is at a high. At the previous edition, the country delivered its best-ever performance, clinching 107 medals and signalling its growing strength on the continental stage. With a mix of emerging talent and seasoned athletes, expectations for the upcoming Games are running high.
The 2026 edition will feature competition across 41 sports, including 32 Olympic disciplines, alongside additions such as mixed martial arts and surfing. For Indian viewers, cricket is expected to be a major draw, with both men’s and women’s teams aiming to reclaim top honours in Asia.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer and business head – sports and international Rajesh Kaul said, “The Asian Games represents sporting excellence and is a powerful platform for national pride.” He added that India’s 100-plus medal milestone at the last edition has sparked unprecedented interest, setting the stage for “another unforgettable chapter”.
Olympic Council of Asia director general Husain Al-Musallam said the agreement marks “the beginning of a new phase” in the distribution of the Asian Games across the Indian subcontinent.
SPNI said it plans to offer comprehensive coverage, including expert analysis and multi-language programming, aiming to bring audiences closer to the action from the opening ceremony through to the final medal events.
With the return of the Asian Games to its network and India eyeing another record haul, Sony is betting big on both sport and sentiment, hoping to turn continental competition into prime-time viewing once again.
