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Eurosport India appoints John Abraham as MotoGP brand ambassador
Mumbai: Eurosport India and discovery+, on Thursday announced the appointment of Bollywood star John Abraham as the India ambassador for their flagship Motorsport property – MotoGP. Abraham will be seen promoting MotoGP to a wider audience base in India as its face through Eurosport’s campaign – “MotoGP, Race Lagate Hai”.
The campaign will have a comprehensive promotional plan across platforms including radio, OOH, and digital. While digital and social media will be the key drivers to create conversations and buzz through interesting content videos with the new brand ambassador, Eurosport is also giving a chance to its followers to win exclusive motorsports merchandise signed by him, said the statement.
Prior to this association, John Abraham has shared the stage with MotoGP legend ‘The Doctor’ Valentino Rossi and has frequented many MotoGP races.
“It’s a moment of pride for any fan to become the India Ambassador, and it’s indeed a moment of reckoning for me. I am glad that through this association not only will I be able to showcase my love for MotoGP to all motorsports fans but also help many others understand the fine nuances of a highly technical and skill-oriented sport. I have been a motorsports fan for over 25 years now and I can only thank Eurosport India for associating with me as their friend for MotoGP, which I have been able to follow religiously. I am confident that my association with Eurosport India is only going to bring the sport of MotoGP closer to the hearts of millions of Indian motorsport fans,” Abraham said.
Commenting on the association, Discovery Inc, managing director – South Asia, Megha Tata, stated, “Discovery network has always believed in creating passionate communities and bringing on board John Abraham as the India Ambassador for MotoGP is just a step in that direction. Motorsport still has a lot of distance to travel as a mainstream sport in India and we couldn’t find a better fan of Moto GP than John Abraham himself who could join us in making the passionate motorsports fans cheer together for their favourite rider. We are thrilled to begin this partnership and with John’s involvement we are confident that we will elevate this pure sport to greater heights in the years to come.”
“Indians, across the country, love superbikes and racing but motorsports is still very community-focused, concentrated at certain pockets, which has resulted in a major part of the country still not being exposed to the thrill and excitement of the biggest global motorcycle race event – MotoGP. Through this power-packed campaign, ‘MotoGP, Race Lagate Hain’ we at Eurosport India along with MotoGP fan John Abraham, aim to expand its reach across the length and breadth of the country also fuelling more conversations around the thrill and competitiveness of the sport,” said Discovery Inc. SVP – affiliate sales and product distribution, Asia – India sales & distribution and Eurosports India head, Vijay Rajput.
“Just like our unparalleled depth in motorsport programming, John’s depth and understanding of motorsports and MotoGP are second to none in this country and hence we are confident of a very fruitful outcome from this association,” Rajput added.
Eurosport India and discovery+ currently have the LIVE and exclusive broadcasting rights for all three premier classes – Moto 2, Moto 3, and Moto GP.
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.
