Zee Entertainment appoints Aayush Khanna as VP of Programming for newly launched Unite8 Sports channels

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has appointed Aayush Khanna as Vice President of Programming for its newly launched Unite8 Sports channels, strengthening its sports leadership ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast. Khanna joined the network on 1 June 2026 and described the move as the start of a “new innings,” comparing the challenge to being brought on during extra time of a major final.

Khanna brings over 18 years of experience in live and non-live sports programming and production, with more than 13 years at Sony Pictures Networks India. At Sony, he most recently served as Associate Creative Director (AVP) and previously held roles including Supervising Producer, Senior Producer, Senior Executive Producer and Executive Producer, building extensive expertise in live sports content, storytelling and audience engagement. His career spans nearly two decades, including stints at Greymatter Entertainment and Neo Sports Broadcast, and covers marquee properties such as the Tokyo Olympics, multiple FIFA World Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Euros, IPL, Tennis Grand Slams, NBA and Hockey India League.

His mandate at Unite8 Sports includes overseeing programming and production strategy for India’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2026, and shaping the editorial and creative direction of the new sports channels. The Unite8 Sports portfolio includes Unite8 Sports 1 and 1 HD in Hindi, and Unite8 Sports 2 and 2 HD in English, targeting multi-sport audiences across football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling, boxing and combat sports.

Khanna’s appointment underscores Zee’s intent to strengthen its sports content and programming capabilities ahead of a landmark year for football broadcasting in India, with his experience in large-scale production, creative strategy and sales integration expected to play a key role in delivering a tournament worthy of the world’s biggest game.