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Star Sports Ad Sales launches ‘Startup Power Play’ for emerging brands on Tata IPL
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official TV broadcaster of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), brings a one-of-a-kind opportunity ‘Startup Power Play’ for start-ups in India. This initiative invites startups to craft a crisp 60-second commercial, strategically positioned to captivate audiences during each IPL match. The broadcaster will be collaborating with D2C Insider as an ecosystem partner to leverage access to the large community of Startups. D2C Insider is the largest community of carefully curated founders and CXOs from the D2C ecosystem.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and empowering emerging brands. By offering a platform for startups to showcase their stories and connect with audiences in a meaningful way, we aim to not only elevate their brand presence but also contribute to their growth story. We look forward to witnessing the impact of these startups as they seize this unique opportunity to captivate audiences and make their mark in the industry,” said Disney Star head – network advertising sales Ajit Varghese.
“We’re excited about our collaboration with Star Sports for IPL 2023. D2C Insider is one of India’s largest communities of startups aimed at fostering idea exchange and growth assistance among its members. Startup Powerplay could be a potential gamechanger for startups in India, giving them an open canvas to tell their brand story on the biggest stage. The creation of an opportunity for startups specifically is a signal of intent from Star Sports to make IPL on TV much more accessible for early-stage businesses and could be a fantastic launchpad for our members,” said D2C Insider co-founder Kshitij Ladia.
Tailored to maximise impact and exclusivity, ‘Startup Power Play’ offers one startup per day the spotlight to showcase their brand or product story. With the IPL’s vast reach and engagement, startups can harness the platform’s potential to amplify their offerings and connect with consumers on a massive scale. To bolster early-stage ventures, Startup Power Play presents an appealing introductory price, ensuring accessibility for startups of all sizes.
Star Sports witnessed a record-breaking IPL last year, reaching a total of 505 million viewers through the tournament. IPL on HD reached 101 million viewers last season. IPL 2024 on Star Sports presents an unmissable opportunity for brands to leverage an unmatched scale with utmost efficiency with the ability to drive differentiated impact on business KPIs.
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.
