MUMBAI: Discovery has expanded the role of Vijay Rajput, currently serving as SVP – affiliate sales & product distribution, with an additional responsibility of heading its sports business in South Asia. Rajput is a media industry veteran having more than three decades of experience, majority of which has been in leadership roles. Prior to Discovery, he was the chief operating officer at India’s leading sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Discovery – South Asia  managing director Megha Tata said, “We are yet to actualise the full potential of our sports business in India. This year, Vijay will lead efforts to ensure that DSPORT channel gets its rightful due in the sports broadcast arena.”

Rajput said, “We are reviewing DSPORT’s content strategy at the moment, as we aim to make it a more holistic multi-sport offering which will connect with passionate fan communities in a more engaging manner.”

Keeping in view the aggressive outlook of the sports vertical, Discovery is currently expanding its in- house sports-focused team. The company has also ended its relationship with third-party service provider Lex Sportel, bringing all services in-house, effective 14 February 2020.