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Il Divo to perform Fifa WC official song ‘Time of Our Lives’
MUMBAI: The official song of the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany will be Time of Our Lives by the vocal group Il Divo.
Il Divo’s latest album is called Ancora.The official song, which was written by Jörgen Elofsson, will be performed live at the opening of the World Cup on 9 June. In India the event will air on ESPN Star Sports.
The official song is in line with the overall theme of the upcoming football event, A Time To Make Friends and about the special feeling that the game brings to people.
In addition, German music star, Herbert Grönemeyer, will perform the 2006 Fifa World Cup Anthem Celebrate the Day, which will be released in German, English and French as well as in a multi-language version. Both songs will be exclusively available on an official album, Voices, which will be launched on 12 May.
Fifa president Joseph S. Blatter says, The official song has become an integral part of the identity of the Fifa World Cup, which is now not only recognisable by a logo and a mascot but by a very special song as well. I am very pleased that we have such a strong piece of music performed by one of todays leading groups, and I am convinced that it will become a memorable part of the entertainment fabric of the event.”
“I am also sure that the anthem, which will be produced by Herbert Grönemeyer, will create emotional links among the teams, fans and the 2006 Fifa World Cup. It is important that the official music programme features passion for football and shows how important football is to people all over the world,”adds Blatter.
The official song and anthem are part of an exclusive licensing agreement between Fifa and Syco/Sony BMG for the production and release of the Official Music Programme of the event. The official album Voices will be made up of a compilation of internationally known hit songs from superstars from several countries, many of whom have strong football connections, such as Eros Ramazzotti, Youssou Ndour, Shakira and Julio Iglesias, to name but a few.
Fifa and Sony BMG have enjoyed a successful partnership in the official music programme ever since the 1994 official song. The first major official song was World Cup Willie, a song about the first official mascot (a lion) of the 1966 Fifa World Cup held in England, and ever since, together with the official mascots, the official music programme has become a more and more significant component of the event. It provides an opportunity for more than just deep-rooted football fans to identify with the event.
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.
