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Anandi Marketing buys into Legends League Cricket, rebrands franchise as Mumbai Spartans
KOLHAPUR: Anandi Marketing has stepped onto the cricketing stage. The Bellary-headquartered business group has acquired the Hyderabad-based franchise in Legends League Cricket, renaming it Mumbai Spartans ahead of the upcoming season.
The move marks Anandi Marketing’s first foray into professional sport, extending its footprint beyond iron ore mining, construction and trading. The group says the investment is a long-term bet, positioning cricket as a platform for community engagement, sporting participation and professionally run competition.
Mehafuz Ali Khan, speaking for Anandi Marketing, framed the acquisition as more than a branding exercise. “This goes beyond franchise ownership. Sport has the power to inspire communities and build participation at every level. Through Mumbai Spartans, we want to contribute to a stronger sporting ecosystem while building a competitive, well-run team,” he said.
Hussain Basha, also representing the group, said the franchise would focus on discipline, aspiration and credibility, aiming to connect with young athletes as much as with fans in the stands. “Mumbai Spartans is meant to be a catalyst, not just a cricket team,” he added.
Legends League Cricket welcomed the change of guard. Vivek Khushalani, chairman of the league, said Anandi Marketing’s entry underlined the growing appeal of LLC as a scalable sports property. “Mumbai Spartans strengthen the league with a new regional identity and a clear long-term ownership vision,” he said.
The franchise will now fly the colours of Mumbai, tapping into the ambition and intensity of India’s financial capital. League officials expect the rebrand to deepen fan engagement while adding commercial heft to the competition.
Legends League Cricket continues to broaden its reach across India and overseas, drawing new owners, wider broadcast exposure and rising fan interest each season. Details on the Mumbai Spartans squad, support staff and partnerships are expected after the retention and auction process.
A new name, a new city and a new owner. The Spartans are ready to march.
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.
