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ESS puts Wasim Akram on its team
MUMBAI: Sports broadcaster ESPN-Star Sports (ESS) is putting the celebrated Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram on its ‘Few Good Men’ commentary team as an exclusive presenter and commentator for its cricket related programming.
Akram is slated to sign on the dotted line on 20 October in Delhi after which will join the ESS ‘Few Good Men’ commentary team during the England-Bangladesh series starting Tuesday, October 21, 2003.
ESS had signed another top cricketer Sourav Ganguly on 15 September to co-host the ‘Samsung Cricket Show’ making Ganguly the first playing captain ever to co-host a TV show.
“We are extremely delighted to announce that Akram would shortly be joining our ‘Few Good Men’, affirmed ESPN Software India managing director RC Venkateish.
ESS’ ‘Few Good Men’ has so far drawn on the experience of two of the greats that have wielded the willow in the gentlemen’s game – Sunil Gavaskar and Sir Geoffery Boycott. Akram’s understanding of modern day cricket issues is expected to add to that by offering a bowler’s perspective to the viewers.
Akram made his debut in 1984-85. In a career that has spanned nearly 20 years, he played 104 tests, claiming 414 wickets and scoring 2898 runs with a highest score of 257. He is today the highest wicket taker in ODIs with 502 victims to his credit, at an average of 23.5, in 356 matches.
He has bowled to every single top rated batsman currently playing the game, which places him uniquely vis-?-vis, all the commentators in the world. In addition, his understanding of the conditions in the Indian subcontinent and international experience will make for exciting analysis. “Akram has a huge fan following in the subcontinent as well as across the globe. We are delighted to have him on board,” Venkateish further added.
Incisive analysis from the ‘Few Good Men’ will mark India’s away tour of Australia beginning December 2003 and ending February 2004 – the tour is being touted as the most important series in the near future.
ESS will also be relaying a live broadcast of the West Indies tour of Zimbabwe in October 2003, the Pakistan tour of New Zealand in December 2003, the West Indies tour of South Africa from December 2003 to February 2004, the Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe in January 2004 and the South Africa tour of New Zealand in February 2004.
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.
