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Xiaomi India sponsors World Champions with Argentine Football Association
Mumbai: Xiaomi India, the country’s leading smartphone and smart TV brand, today announced its latest partnership with the Argentine Football Association to sponsor the Argentina National Team. This partnership is a remarkable moment for two champions of their respective fields to come together.
Determined to deliver exceptional experiences that go beyond consumers’ expectations, is a passion that is shared by both Xiaomi and the Argentina National Team. This partnership represents the coming together of two exemplary teams that strive for continuous improvement and serve as inspiring role models for all. Our commitment to providing superior technology resonates and aligns perfectly with AFA’s dedication to excellence in football. This partnership presents an exciting opportunity to bring legendary Argentine footballers such as Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Julián Alvarez, and Emi Martinez closer to the Indian audience, and we are thrilled to be making it possible.
Xiaomi users in India and Argentine football fans can have access to priceless experiences, autographed jerseys, and cherished moments, enabling them to feel more connected to their beloved superstars and football team. Additionally, they can also enjoy special edition smartphones to celebrate the World Cup victory. This agreement is also a reflection of the Argentina National Team’s impressive trajectory and international presence, as well as Xiaomi India’s prominent position as a leading brand in India.
Xiaomi India president Muralikrishnan B said, “As a sport, Football brings forth a lot of emotions and passions. It has the ability to bring people together as one community. We are excited to announce our partnership with the Argentine Football Association and as a sponsor for the Argentine National Football Team in India. As a brand, we have always been striving to deliver the best of technology to give our consumers a superior experience, similar to the Argentina National Football Team who have always been determined to surpass the expectation of their fans on the field. This collaboration exemplifies the perfect amalgamation of technology and sports”.
AFA president Claudio Fabian Tapia said, “The Argentine National Team has felt the strength and support of the Indian community throughout the World Cup. Having Xiaomi India, an emblematic brand, as our regional sponsor is one more step in our international business strategy. Xiaomi with its innovative technology and wide range of products will make it easy for our National Team to connect and interact with fans in India. As a result, our association establishes itself as a leading brand in the territory of India. We welcome Xiaomi India as a regional sponsor”.
Xiaomi India chief marketing Officer Anuj Sharma said, “At Xiaomi, we are always looking for opportunities to connect with our consumers and fans, and what better way to do so than through the passion of football. Our partnership with the Argentine Football Association and sponsorship of the world champions offers an exciting occasion for us to further strengthen our connection with our community and we look forward to bringing the best of Xiaomi to football fans across the region”.
AFA chief commercial and marketing officer Leandro Petersen said, “We have established a path and an objective for our Association in territories which we identify with potential for our commercial lending. This regional sponsorship with Xiaomi India is the result of focused work in such target markets and clear direction from AFA. We are pleased to announce Xiaomi India as the third regional sponsor of this country. We will continue in this line to consolidate new agreements in said territory. We will work together with Xiaomi India to strengthen this association that begins today and generate new and innovative experiences for users, increasing and strengthening the position that we have obtained in the Asian continent in general and in India in particular. Today we received a Xiaomi India to the AFA family”.
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.
