News Headline
Team India’s new World Cup jersey unveiled in Melbourne
MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with the official apparel sponsor Nike has unveiled the new jersey for ‘Team India’ at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With the tri-series knocking at the door, which will lead the team to the all important World Cup 2015, this effort from BCCI will surely help the cricketers to start fresh.
The new kit has a different shade of blue and is said to be an improvement from the previous version. The improvisation is not limited to colours but also inputs from players were regularly taken in order to make the jersey as comfortable as possible. Additionally, apart from inputs from the Indian cricketers, Team India’s uniform was designed by listening to the voice of the athletes and collecting data on the form and movement of today’s players on the field.
Following extensive research and athlete driven insights, Nike designers created a new dynamic fit using a unique four way stretch fabric ideal for cricket, enhancing comfort for the players and allowing the body to move naturally within the kit. The Nike Dri-FIT technology and Nike Pro Baselayer helps regulate the player’s body temperature through increased venting and breathability for players to stay focused on their game.
Besides all, one of the key significance of the kit is its environment friendly quotient. It is made out of 100 per cent recycled polymers, which means one complete kit takes away 33 thrown plastic bottles away from the atmosphere.
“The new Team India uniform is light, comfortable and packed with innovation to help minimise distractions on the field of play and that’s critical when millimeters make a difference between a game winning innings or wicket. 2015 is a massive year for Team India as the best teams in the world compete for cricket’s greatest prize. The Team India jersey truly symbolizes the passion for cricket in our nation; wearing this jersey is a matter of pride for every player,” said Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel emphasised on the emotional attachments. “This is more than just a jersey; this is the passion of a billion hearts, the colour that unites the entire nation. We are pleased that Nike has used its global expertise to adopt innovative technologies from different sports and craft them to the specific needs of Team India players. The new kit is a perfect testimonial to Nike’s dedication in delivering nothing but the best,” he said.
After a disappointing series in whites, it is time for Team India to conquer new heights and winning the tri-series will be perfect beginning for the team in the new kit.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.







