News Headline
Premier League Asia Cup unaffected by SARS
MUMBAI: The SARS epidemic has affected several high profile events to be held in South Asia. However responding to increasing speculation, The FA Premier League has confirmed that the inaugural Asia Cup will take place as scheduled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 24-27 July 2003.
The event will air on ESPN Star Sports. FA Premier League chairman Dave Richards was quoted as saying: “This is the first football competition sanctioned by the FA Premier League outside England. After having consulted with the relevant authorities and our member clubs who are competing – Birmingham City, Chelsea and Newcastle United – we are of the view that at present the Asia Cup will proceed as planned.
“We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and stay in close contact with the World Health Organisation and UK and Malaysian governments to ensure that the health and safety of everyone involved in the tournament is no way compromised. However, given the present status of SARS in Malaysia, which is not currently on the World Health Organisation’s list of countries not to travel to – and the measures they have put in place – we see no reason at this time to change our commitment to hold this tournament,” Richards added.
|
Date
|
Games
|
| 24 July | Birmingham City vs Newcastle United Kick |
| 25 July | Malaysia National Team vs Chelsea FC |
| 26 July | 3rd/4th Play Off |
| 27 July | Final |
Looks like the nearly three-month lead time for the tournament has given the organisers the courage to make this announcement. However, the way events are unfolding, there would be few will to make firm wagers on the tourney going ahead.
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.
