News Headline
Sporty Solutionz to take Badminton Association of India to court
MUMBAI: Sporty Solutionz, which is the commercial rights holders and promoter of Indian Badminton League (IBL), has called the Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) move to terminate its IBL contract as unlawful, unwarranted and against the very basics of the IBL agreement.
Sporty Solutionz legal counsels are studying the case and will respond with an appropriate legal action against the Badminton Association of India and the Maharashtra Badminton Association.
The Badminton Association of India and the Maharashtra Badminton Association signed the IBL agreement with Sporty Solutionz for a period of 10 years.
A spokesperson from Sporty Solutionz said, “However, in the best interest of IBL, players and sports lovers, we are open to dialogue for an amicable resolution of the issue.”
Sporty Solutionz is also open for a debate on any platform. The company categorically said that the Badminton Association of India’s demand for a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore in itself was against the IBL agreement, which was signed between the three parties. Sporty Solutionz maintains that there have been no defaults on its part.
“In spite of that, post discussion a sum of Rs 15 crore was agreed as the bank guarantee. This was captured in Sporty Solutionz’ last communication to the BAI on 10 March, 2015. We are awaiting a response from BAI on this,” added the spokesperson.
“On three occasions BAI agreed on a window for IBL season two and back-tracked on its words. On each occasion, Sporty Solutionz had set the ball rolling, engaged international players, incurred expenses on operations and bookings,” he further informed.
The onus of payment to the players, like in all leagues, rests with the franchisees as they enter into “employment” agreements with the players. However, in any inadequacies from franchisee and partners, Sporty Solutionz has come forward and resolved the situation. “We are in receipt of acknowledgements from these players that all their accounts are duly settled,” said the spokesperson.
Furthermore, Sporty Solutionz has also apologized to the players, fans and all stakeholders. The company reiterates its commitment that the most successful badminton league worldwide will be in action soon.
“We have full faith in the law of the land and we are optimistic that under our legitimate rights, we shall soon be sharing a lot of positives about the league,” concluded the spokesperson.
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.
