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Anthems to raise football fever
MUMBAI: When an energetic game like football and music collide, it’s a magical treat for fans.
In a country where cricket is a religion, official football songs and anthems have been instrumental in getting the fans together. During the 2010 WC Waving Flag by K’nan and Waka Waka by Shakira saw fans cheering and dancing to the popular chartbusters even before the commencement of the tournament. A hit at parties and sports gatherings, helped more fans on board.
This year, there are three top anthems generating enough and hype.
The biggest hit has been from international pop icon Shakira who is seen gyrating to the unofficial FIFA anthem La La La (Brazil 2014). The Columbian’s second World Cup anthem features her 27-year-old beau and Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué alongside other players like Radamel Falcao, Cesc Soler, Sergio Aguero, James Rodríguez, Eric Abidal, Neymar and Lionel Messi. But the star of the video is none other than, Shakira and Gerard’s son Milan. The official video on her YouTube channel has so far garnered close to 100 million views.
The video is not just limited towards promoting the game but also has Shakira and Activia coming together to support the World Food Programme (WFP). According to online reports, Shakira and Activia will be donating funds to support the WFP’s School Meals Programme, which will help deliver around 3,000,000 additional school meals for children in developing countries.
Meanwhile, the official anthem called We Are One (Ole Ola) of the mega event will see international rapper Pitbull and Jeniffer Lopez coming together, again.
Though the video has famous Brazilian landmarks and footballers, it has not gone down too well with the host country’s citizens. Brazilians are unhappy that the video is devoid of local notes and flavor and the focus in mainly on creating another ‘Waka Waka’.
Not to forget, the Ricky Martin’s Vida which has got close to 15 million views on his official YouTube channel. The video is a mosaic of people coming together to celebrate the spirit of football on the sun kissed beaches of Brazil.
Now with three songs in the fray, it remains to be seen which one succeeds in remaining at the top of the charts till 13 July when the WC culminates.
Click here to watch Pitbull Official FIFA Anthem
Click here to watch Shakira FIFA Anthem
Click here to watch Ricky Martin FIFA Anthem
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.
