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John Abraham becomes Goa Aces’ owner for the Indian Racing Festival 2024
Mumbai: Film actor John Abraham’s passion for motorsports takes center stage as he becomes the owner of the Goa Aces by JA Racing for the Indian Racing Festival 2024. Renowned for his on-screen charisma and off-screen enthusiasm for racing, Abraham’s new role aims to advance motorsports in India. As the season approaches, his commitment to both the sport and the spotlight ensures an exciting year ahead.
From 24 August to 17 November, the Indian Racing Festival, conceived by Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), will be defined by the thunderous roar of engines and the high-pitched screech of tires. The IRF, now in its third season, promises to be bigger and better, revving up with unmatched intensity and spectacle. Featuring the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), this exhilarating festival is set to deliver a season of extraordinary racing excitement.
“Having John Abraham as the owner of Goa Aces is poised to unlock immense potential for developing Goa into a premier motorsports venue. John’s deep passion for racing and his collection of bikes and cars will amplify interest in the sport, adding to the region’s proud sporting culture. This strategic move promises to also elevate Goa’s status in the motorsports world and expand its appeal beyond traditional racing circles,” said RPPL chairman and MD Akhilesh Reddy.
With his deep passion for the sport, commitment to motivating the motorsports community, and belief in India’s potential to shine on the global stage, Abraham’s role is set to profoundly enhance the vision of the Indian Racing Festival. His influential presence and strong connection with India’s youth are expected to attract a new generation of fans, elevating the sport’s profile and igniting enthusiasm across the country.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the Indian Racing Festival as the owner of Goa Aces by JA Racing, John Abraham remarked, “I’ve always been captivated by fast cars and bikes, and I’ve longed to be part of this thrilling sport as it makes new strides in our country. I am thankful to the IRF team and as owner of Goa Aces, I’m excited about the opportunity to help build a robust motorsports ecosystem in Goa and, with the Indian Racing Festival, uncover new talent that can shine on the global stage in the near future.”
Fans are preparing for an exciting three months of racing weekends, with John Abraham joining the star-studded lineup. He will be alongside Kolkata Royal Tigers owner Sourav Ganguly and Speed Demons Delhi team owner Arjun Kapoor. This lineup highlights the growing popularity of motorsports in India and the Indian Racing Festival’s appeal to prominent figures from various fields who share a passion for cars.
The 2024 Indian Racing Festival will feature eight city-based teams from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, all competing fiercely for the coveted championship from August to November. This eagerly awaited event is set to deliver a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping spectacle as well as highlighting top motorsport talent from India and beyond. Adding to the excitement, the festival will introduce a groundbreaking night race on a street circuit in Chennai, marking a historic first for Indian motorsports and amplifying the thrill and grandeur of the second edition.
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.
