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ICC announces MRF Tyres as global partner
MUMBAI: As fans are gearing up for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, slated to begin in February, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a new partnership with MRF Tyres of India. The announcement comes a day after the tyre and rubber manufacturing company completed 25 years of its association with the gentlemen’s game.
Commenting on the new partnership, ICC chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan said, “MRF is an active promoter of sport and by deciding to be associated with the ICC in challenging economic times, it has shown its faith and support in the ICC as well as its flagship event.”
In September, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed a five year agreement with the MRF Pace Foundation to train an elite group of 20 bowlers in three camps overseen by cricketer Glenn McGrath each year. “Through its foundation, which has seen it work alongside some of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, MRF also shares the ICC’s commitment to continuous quality improvement,” added Srinivasan.
Speaking on the new development, MRF chairman and managing director K M Mammen commented, “It is a historic moment for MRF. It is a matter of pride for MRF to be associated with the ICC World Cup Cricket 2015, which is considered by many to be the pinnacle of one-day cricket.”
Adding to this MRF executive vice president Koshy K Varghese said, “We intend leveraging this partnership to bring further awareness of MRF as a global brand.”
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tyres and allied rubber products, MRF has a long-standing association with the game. It’s Pace foundation has earned itself the reputation of being a leading institution for developing fast bowling skills across test playing countries.
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.
