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Cricket Mania: Agoda insights show an astounding 1702 per cent surge in searches for Ahmedabad during the 2023 Cricket World Cup season
Mumbai: Digital travel platform, Agoda, has revealed a 1702 per cent surge in searches for stays in Ahmedabad in the wake of the much-anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023. This spike can be attributed to the eagerly awaited India vs. Pakistan match, as well as the final, both of which will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Since its announcement, the sporting spectacle has contributed to a 237% hike in overall searches for the host cities throughout India.
While Ahmedabad emerged as the obvious fan favourite, the host cities of Dharamshala [347%], Lucknow [225%], Hyderabad [199%] and Pune [169%] have all witnessed search spikes around the match dates. Furthermore, cricket is not only the most popular sport in India but also holds an unquestionable draw for fans from all over the world. The 2023 edition, thus, has intercontinental fans gearing up to watch the exciting matches live – with the UK, USA, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia leading the inbound search charts for the host cities around the match dates.
Commenting on this trend, Agoda country director (India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives) Krishna Rathi said, “We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm of cricket fans for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023. At Agoda, we have recently seen a spike in travel driven by live events and global sports tournaments and the World Cup is no exception. The event has always been one of the most sought-after in India, and it is great to see the interest from international travellers as well.”
The Cricket World Cup is taking place between 5 October and 19 November 2023.
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.
