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ONGC is title sponsor for NFL
NEW DELHI: Glitz, glamour and hi-tech are set to invade Indian football as sponsorship money rolls in for national tournaments.
Zee Sports and Indian football federation today announced that government-controlled oil major ONGC will be the title sponsor for the 10th edition of National Football League (NFL).
The event, called ONGC Cup National Football League, will offer total prize money of Rs 11 million, including cash awards for fair play and highest goal scorer. The winner of the tournament will take home Rs 4 million, while the runners up will win Rs 2.2 million.
Out of the total 90 matches, Zee Sports will telecast about 45 matches live and exclusive starting 10 January, 2006. Matches in the first month of the competition will be telecast simultaneously from Kolkata and Goa.
A production team flown in from around the world, which includes British match director David Horridge, will produce the 12-camera telecast of NFL. In the UK, Horridge is involved in directing Champions League matches.
The telecast will include preview and review shows, half time match analysis and various studio programming. Legendary soccer commentator John Helm and former English player Russell Osman will be commentators for the 10th NFL.
While complimenting ONGC for its “prudence in sponsoring the NFL,” information and broadcasting minister and head of the All-India Football Federation Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said some of the matches will be shared by Zee Sports with pubcaster Doordarshan.
“The details of the matches to be shared will be worked out in a meeting between Zee and Prasar Bharati chief executive soon,” the minister added.
According to Zee Sports business head Himanshu Mody, the value for sponsors in Indian football has entered a “new level as has become obvious from the strong response received” from the corporate houses that want to be associated with sports.
“To promote NFL across the country, we are undertaking a marketing campaign, which will involve on-air, off-air and online promotion. We are sure that all this, along with Zee Sports distribution strength, will bring lot of value to the sponsors,” Mody added.
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.
