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Excited to be in India and connect with passionate fans, says Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Mumbai: Arriving for his highly-anticipated tour in India, Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed his excitement about visiting the country and engaging with passionate football fans as his three-day visit, hosted by Tilak Gaurang Shah, founder of Ace of Pubs, kicked off at the ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru on Friday.
With India being home to a staggering 38 per cent of Manchester United’s global fan base as per data from YouGov, Solskjaer’s visit marks a historic moment for the team’s supporters across the nation.
Sharing his enthusiasm, Solskjaer said, “I am truly thrilled to finally be here in India and meet the nation’s Red Devils. This tour organised by Tilak is not only a memorable moment for fans but also for me as I have been eager to visit the country and experience its footballing culture. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have received in Bengaluru, and eagerly anticipate meeting fans in Delhi and Mumbai.”
Renowned for his remarkable career and iconic moments on the field, Solskjaer shared his favourite tales and stories from his time at Old Trafford, offering fans a unique glimpse into not just the career of the ‘baby-faced assassin’ but also the world of professional football.
“I have had the privilege of experiencing football’s magic on both sides of the touchline. So, it is always a delight to be able to reminisce about those last-minute goals and unforgettable victories with the fans. While I had only heard about the devotion of Indians towards Manchester United, getting the opportunity to experience it firsthand today was incredible,” stated Solskjaer.
Enhancing the anticipation surrounding Solskjaer’s debut India tour, fans will also get the chance to acquire exclusive football memorabilia, sourced meticulously by Tilak. The dedicated Manchester United fan will be hosting the auction for this exceptional collection including rare football boots and distinctive canvases autographed by the Norwegian, as well as signed jerseys from his esteemed former teammates.
“Today marks the start of a special three-day journey for Manchester United fans across the nation. By bringing Solskjaer to India, we have not only given fans the chance to meet their idol but also been able to showcase the deep connection between the country and the club. Through this tour, we aim to fulfil the lifelong dreams of supporters and provide them with precious football items they will cherish for years to come,” commented Ace of Pubs Shah, founder Tilak Gaurang.
Following the Bengaluru leg of the tour, the exciting tour will ensure football fans get an opportunity to meet Solskjaer, who will be holding gala dinners at the ITC Grand Central, Mumbai on 10 February and ITC Maurya, New Delhi on 11 February.
With the presence of prominent brands propelling the event’s stature, Solskjaer’s India tour is set to seamlessly connect fans with the Norwegian football icon in a premium experiential manner.
American Express has been onboard as the official lifestyle partner for the event. Radio City has joined as the official radio partner, while Truefitt & Hill is the official grooming partner.
Simba has been roped in as the official roaring partner, with Outcry Entertainment signed on as the official production partner. Cinepolis is the designated official multiplex partner, and Oscar Foundation stands as the official community partner.
While 12 Man Brewing has partnered as the official gameday partner in Mumbai, Ace of Trades will orchestrate corporate engagements for the tour, ensuring an unforgettable experience for corporate partners with the legendary Solskjaer.
The event will be meticulously curated by Zomato Live, with tickets exclusively available on the Zomato app.
Fans can book their tickets with the links below:
Mumbai:
https://zoma.to/live-event/27850
New Delhi:
https://zoma.to/live-event/27826
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.
