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BIC track gets thumbs up from the riders ahead of the exhilarating IndianOil Grand Prix of India
Mumbai: A day ahead of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India practice session, top MotoGP riders seemed pretty happy with the Buddh International Circuit. The new circuit on the block has got them curious and raring to go as the action began on Friday.
Some called it interesting, some took the bus checking on the track, some liked the mix of corners, while some saw it as a “fun layout”. Whatever each one has to think, it’s the race enthusiasts and fans who are going to enjoy every bit of it.
“I think the layout of the track is interesting. It’s nice and different compared to a lot of other tracks. So, I think it would be great,” said defending champion and Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia.
Jorge Martin of Prima Primac Racing, who finished first at the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago, took a bus, rode a bicycle on the track to get the feel of it, commented, “I really like the layout. It will be really interesting. I’m so excited to go on the track, and I think, as Pego (Bagnaia) said, it’s a bit different to what we are used to. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”
Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez has already been here before. He expects the track to play out as it did on his Repsol Honda. “It’s one of the circuits that from the layout looks really nice. But if the grip is good, then it will be even nicer,” he said.
It’s not just the track that has left the riders impressed, some are more than happy with how things are and Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider Marco Bezzecchi minced no words. “To be honest, I liked it a lot. The padlock is very well organised, the plain is very beautiful, and we will know about the track only after riding on it, but it looks fantastic. A mix of corners that I really like. Of course, the longest plate is impressive because I think it’s very long, maybe more than Texas. I can’t wait to ride my bike. Also, there is a long right corner in banking that looks fantastic,” he commented.
Meanwhile, Brad Binder, the current record holder for highest speed in MotoGP is cautiously eyeing the longest straight on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “I don’t really know where the speed trap is, but also it’s quite downhill, which is cool. But then there’s a big kick on the end, so where it goes uphill there might kill the chances a little bit. But anyway, I think it’s a really long straight. More important than the top speed is stopping for the next corner, that’s where my focus lies,” he said.
The high-pulsating action of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India will be exclusively broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on JioCinema in India. Fans can secure their tickets for the exciting event on BookMyShow.
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.
