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ICC WTC Final: Star Sports launches promotional film with 12 sponsors onboard
KOLKATA: Cricket fans across the world are eagerly waiting for the India-New Zealand face-off on 18 June to decide the winner of the ICC World Test Championship 2021. In the run-up to the event, the official broadcaster Star Sports has released a promotional film capturing Team India’s journey to the finale and the excitement building among fans around the momentous Test match.
The film, voiced over by cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, is a narrative on the scintillating journey of the Indian cricket team in the lead-up to this landmark event. The skilful Blackcaps (New Zealand team) are equally eager to create history by becoming World Test Champion for the first time ever.
The channel has roped in 12 sponsors for the mega event, which includes four co-presenting sponsors- Dream 11, Byju’s, Thumbs Up and Car 24 and eight associate sponsors namely Skoda, MRF, Cred, NiyoX, paisabazaar.com, UltraTech Cement, PharmaEasy, and policybazaar.com.
“The World Test Championship will be a defining moment in Cricket, similar to the 1st ODI World cup in 1975 and the first T20 World Cup in 2007,” Star & Disney India sports head Sanjog Gupta said in a press statement on Thursday. “Over the last eight years, Star India has invested significant resources and effort to boost interest in Test Cricket. We saw the India v England series earlier this year register record viewership, which strengthened our belief in the appeal amongst core fans for the oldest format of the game. So, it’s appropriate that the first-ever ‘World Champion’ in Test Cricket will also be crowned on the network.”
The key rivalries within the match, bringing some of the biggest names in World Cricket up against each other, could decide the destiny of the game and hence, a place in the record books. It will be an Ultimate Test of contrasting leadership styles between the ever-passionate Virat Kohli, and the calmness personified by Kane Williamson.
In the bowling department, bragging rights will be up for grabs as Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah lead their respective bowling attacks. The fight between the spin and guile of Ravichandran Ashwin and the tenacious experience of Ross Taylor will be an ultimate battle of tactics. Pujara vs Jamieson; Pant vs Watling; Rohit vs Wagner – the list is long and intriguing; and the ultimate Test winner will be decided by these captivating battles within the match.
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.
