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Star Sports unites fans and players for Asia Cup 2023 with its campaign
Mumbai: The spirit of rivalry takes centre stage as the best teams from Asia converge in Sri Lanka and Pakistan for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023. Fans across India can watch all the matches from 3.00 pm (IST) LIVE & exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar from 30 August to 17 September 2023. Capitalising on the heightened fanfare and excitement ahead of the tournament, Star Sports, India’s leading sports broadcaster, unveils its campaign that puts the hearts of 1.6 billion fans at the core.
The film, conceptualised by the in-house team at Disney Star, pays tribute to the everlasting and unwavering dedication and passion of the fans. With Hands Up in support of Team India, they create an awe-inspiring spectacle, a vivid tapestry of colours and chants, standing tall in times of both grief and happiness. Through triumphs and defeats, they stand united behind their favourite teams and players, an unbreakable bond forged by the love for the game. Their cheers reverberate through stadiums, transcending barriers of language and culture, to become a universal language of celebration and encouragement. In moments of sorrow, they offer solace and understanding, reminding players that they are more than competitors—they are heroes in the eyes of millions. In times of elation, the fans’ euphoria knows no bounds, showering their stars with adoration, turning stadiums into cathedrals of joy.
Speaking about the campaign film for the Asia Cup 2023, a Star Sports spokesperson said, “As we unveil the electrifying Asia Cup Campaign, we are geared up to bring the whole nation together to passionately Believe in Blue! The campaign film is a majestic symphony that resonates with the undying spirit of fans – a tribute to their eternal devotion and unwavering fervor. The Asia Cup is undeniably the biggest tournament before the ICC ODI World Cup graces our home soil, and we, at Star Sports, are committed to delivering the most exhilarating live action. Get ready India, for the colossal ODI Festival ahead, where we will celebrate triumphs, showcase talent, and revel in the glory of our cricketing heroes!”
The Asia Cup 2023 will feature a total of six teams – five Test-playing nations from the continent – India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have earned direct qualification to the tournament with Nepal scripting history as they pipped UAE in the qualification rounds for a place in the main event. All eyes will be glued on the Rohit Sharma-led Team India as they eye an unprecedented eighth title stamping their authority in the continent before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup later this year.
Watch India vs Pakistan on 2 September 2023 from 3.00 pm (IST), LIVE & exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
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.
