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The 2024 MotoGP season announces race weekend set for 20-22 September
Mumbai: Within just two days of the phenomenal success story of the inaugural edition of MotoGP Bharat. The global governing body of motorcycle racing FIM, announced MotoGP’s return to India in 2024. The Grand Prix of India will be held as the 16th race in its calendar, after San Marino GP as per the provisional calendar released globally.
The inaugural edition of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India set new benchmarks in motorsport history, drawing over one lakh enthusiastic spectators from India and across the globe with a global telecast across 195 nations, it was truly a global phenomenon which proudly announced India’s arrival in the global arena of MotoSports. Remarkably with a business turnover of Rs 930 crore, the Grand Prix of India’s inclusion in next year’s calendar is a significant reflection of the economic potential such a global event can bring with it.
Hosted at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, the event witnessed a global influx of close to 15,000 foreign visitors who were genuinely amazed at the global standards and facilities the race and the organisers had to offer.
The race witnessed high adrenaline drama with the Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi making his lasting impact with a strong pole position for VR46 which was cheered by an animated and charged up crowd across the MGS and other stands and over a million fans across the world on TV and OTT platforms. Interestingly, the media centre saw a huge influx of over 150 of the world’s best auto journalists who were praiseworthy of the race and the organisation of the same which facilitated them to share the race details and a perspective to millions of fans and readers across the world.
What was even more incredible is that the weekend witnessed a strong inflow of spectators from across various parts of India and the world as the weekend promised a host of activities and experiences in the Fan Zone with different auto and lifestyle brands wooing the spectators with a host of activities like live music, gaming zones, F&B, FMX live stunting, Red Bull Wingsuit Jump to mention a few.
The race also drew the attention of several celebs like the most famous motorcycling ambassador John Abraham, Bollywood heartthrob Ranveer Singh, the stylish cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, ever-popular Yuvraj Singh and Gul Panag who cheered the crowds and enjoyed the spectacle.
Noteworthy was the immaculate event planning and logistics which saw over 5,000 foreign technical/ back-end team members working seamlessly for the racing teams in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 and making sure that the race went through without a single glitch and the machines performed their very best.
IAS Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC) Uttar Pradesh government Manoj Kumar Singh opined, “MotoGP Bharat has paved the road for a long-term investment opportunity and economic surge. Uttar Pradesh is geared up for a global influx of investors and assured them a collective and inclusive growth with an amiable macro-economic environment. Uttar Pradesh has always been a destination of choice for global initiatives. With MotoGP Bharat at its core, we are bullish about the future, which will usher in sustained long-term growth for global brands in the Auto industry in the years to come”.
FairStreet Sport Pushkar Nath Srivastava, founder and chief operating officer of, the Indian promoter of MotoGP, shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying, “In a country with a significant following for various sports, including cricket, the growing viewership for motorsports is a remarkable achievement for both the organisers and the global body. With the next year’s dates announced, our aim is to intensify our efforts and return next year even stronger, with enhanced race track, logistical arrangements, promotions & marketing, and brand awareness.”
Organized by FairStreet Sports in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the IndianOil Grand Prix of India featured renowned names like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, and Jorge Martin.
KTM India, Ducati India, Honda Racing India, Yamaha Motor India, Aprilia India, and Michelin have come on board as industry partners in the inaugural edition while Red Bull India, OLA, 24seven, Radio Mirchi 98.3, R.E. Rogers India were event sponsors. Apollo Hospitals, MeduLance, and Jaypee Hospital were medical partners and Bushmills India was the celebrations partner. BookMyShow had come on board as a ticketing partner. Robin Hood Army & Vedica Himalayan Spring Water became the event partners.
A special conclave “INVEST UP” was organized on the sidelines of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India where 300 CXOs’ and global representatives participated in the Conclave.
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.
