Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has secured the media rights for the Asian Games 2022 from November 2021 to September 2023. This agreement grants Sony the exclusive rights to broadcast the 19th Asian Games on its sports channels throughout India and the subcontinent, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Maldives.
Throughout the term of the agreement, SPN will have exclusive rights to produce clips and highlights. The event will also be streamed live on Sony’s premium OTT platform, SonyLIV.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “The 2022 Asian Games is expected to be one of the biggest multi-sporting events in Asia this year and we are pleased to bag the exclusive media rights for India and the subcontinent. The outstanding performance of Indian athletes at Olympics Games Tokyo 2020 has laid a strong foundation and we are happy to bring to our viewers another marquee multi-sporting event that will see participation from the top Indian athletes. With the addition of E-sports and breakdancing, we expect a bigger audience and the introduction of the T20 Cricket format at the Asian Games will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the nation.”
Chen Weiqiang, Deputy Secretary-General of HAPGOC and Vice Mayor of Hangzhou city, commented, “The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Organising Committee (HAGOC) would like to congratulate the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on the signing of an agreement with Sony Pictures Networks India for broadcasting rights to the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, in India. This is the first signing of a rights-holding broadcaster for Hangzhou 2022 and marks the beginning of a new phase in the distributing of such rights for the event.”
The Asian Games will be held from September 10 to September 25 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, along with five co-host cities. The multi-sport event will include 40 sports and 61 disciplines, including Olympic sports such as swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian, fencing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, and many more.
After being approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) this year, e-sports and breakdancing will make their debut as full medal sports at the Asian Games 2022. The game of cricket will return in T20 format to grab the interest of viewers.