News Headline
India-Sri Lanka ODI and T20I series set to begin on 18 July
Mumbai: The start date for India’s tour of Sri Lanka has been changed ahead of the limited overs series that features three ODIs and three T20s. The first ODI will now take place on 18 July and the tour will conclude with the third T20 on 29 July.
The series, which was originally scheduled to begin from 13 July, had been postponed after Sri Lanka’s batting coach and data analyst tested positive for COVID-19.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has informed its official broadcast partner SPN that in consultation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it has decided to reschedule the dates of the ODI and T20I series as a precautionary measure aimed at providing more time for the Sri Lanka National Players and the Support Staff to complete required health protocols.
Led by former India captain Rahul Dravid who will step in as coach, Shikhar Dhawan will captain the young side while Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be the vice-captain in the three-match ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Revised schedule of India tour of Sri Lanka is as below:
1st ODI: 18 July
2nd ODI: 20 July
3rd ODI: 23 July
1st T20I: 25 July
2nd T20I: 27 July
3rd T20I: 29 July
Viewers can catch live coverage of the series on 18 July, 2pm onwards on SONY SIX & SONY TEN 1 channels in English, SONY TEN 3 channels in Hindi and SONY TEN 4 channels in Tamil & Telugu on SonyLIV channel as well as on its on-demand OTT platform.
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.
