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Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia Lead ISL’s Search for India’s Next Football Star in ‘Agla Hero Kaun?
Mumbai: The Indian Super League (ISL) is poised to enter its 11th edition at a critical juncture for Indian football. In a country where cricket often dominates the sporting landscape, this season brings a unique opportunity to reignite the nation’s love for football. The league’s newest campaign, “Agla Hero Kaun?” spearheaded by Indian football icons Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, seeks to tap into the deep emotional connection Indian fans have with football while searching for the next generation of stars.
The 360° integrated marketing strategy features a star-studded lineup in its television commercial (TVC) including cricket legend Ravi Shastri, pace sensation Jaspreet Bumrah, shooter Manu Bhaker, badminton icon PV Sindhu, Indian actor John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor among other top-notch celebrities.
The ISL aims to reshape the landscape of Indian football through its dedication to nurturing local talent and building a loyal fanbase.
This season’s “Agla Hero Kaun?” campaign arrives at a pivotal moment, with the focus on rekindling the passion of football fans across the nation, particularly in regions where the sport has deep cultural roots. Football in India is more than a game—it’s a reflection of community pride, aspirations, and dreams.
“Winning the creative mandate of ISL 2024 is really exciting for us as Creativeland Asia champions creating campaigns and building brands of the scale of Indian Super League. We are looking forward to collaborating with our marketing partners in making football as famous and watched sport in India as cricket is. It will be an integrated campaign and hopefully, one of the most talked about ones of 2024.”, says Azazul Haque, Group Chief Creative Officer, Creativeland Asia.
As seen globally, football has the power to unite communities, bridge divides, and foster a sense of belonging. This ISL season brings not only high-stakes matches but also the potential for football to create a lasting legacy in a country where the sport’s popularity has been gradually building.
Launched in 2014, the ISL has grown to become a cornerstone in India’s sporting calendar, attracting millions of viewers each season.
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.
