News Headline
Aashirvaad & UP Warriorz pick 22 young stars to train with cricket icons
MUMBAI: The cricketing future just got brighter for 22 young girls across Uttar Pradesh. ITC Aashirvaad and UP Warriorz successfully wrapped up the Char Kadam Aage Cricket Camp in Lucknow, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower aspiring female cricketers. Over the past month, the programme trained budding talents from 11 districts, culminating in a thrilling grand finale where the best performers were selected to train with UP Warriorz senior players.
The initiative gave girls aged 10 to 16 a rare opportunity to receive professional coaching, refine their skills, and gain confidence in their cricketing dreams. With batting, bowling, fielding, and fitness drills, alongside interactive sessions like cricket quizzes and freestyle performances, the camp offered a complete learning experience.
At the grand finale, two outstanding performers from each district were selected in a celebratory event attended by ITC Aashirvaad, UP Warriorz dignitaries, and cricket stars Alana King, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, and Arushi Goel. The 22 winners now have an exclusive opportunity to train under the mentorship of UP Warriorz players and coaches, bridging the gap between grassroots talent and professional cricket.
The selected winners include Aarna Goswami and Nimisha Dixit from Noida, Vinita Baghel and Vaishnavi Pal from Agra, Riya Bhati and Kinjal Chaudhary from Meerut, Kavyaa Bhandoh and Isra Haq from Kanpur, Shagun Rana and Zafirah Ansari from Saharanpur, Azra Khatoon and Anvesha Yadav from Lucknow, Priya Yadav and Soni Yadav from Varanasi, Deeksha Yadav and Aradhya Singh from Jhansi, Qubba Aziz and Manvi Verma from Bareilly, Guddan Singh and Ananya from Firozabad, and Sanjana Ambedkar and Surbhi Bhatt from Gorakhpur.
“Aashirvaad is proud to see the tremendous participation received through this program. These young girls have demonstrated incredible commitment and passion towards the sport. We look forward to seeing them move forward as they train with UP Warriorz and pursue their dreams”, said ITC Ltd chief digital marketing officer (CDMO) Shuvadip Banerjee.
“We are immensely proud of each participant who stepped forward with ambition and determination. The journey doesn’t end here—it’s just the beginning for these young cricketers. We look forward to seeing them grow, excel, and one day, make the nation proud”, added UP Warriorz (Capri Sports) COO Kshemal Waingankar.
The success of Char Kadam Aage Cricket Camp highlights the growing popularity of women’s cricket in India. With initiatives like these, Aashirvaad and UP Warriorz continue to fuel the rise of female cricketers, ensuring that the next generation steps onto the pitch with confidence, skill, and a shot at greatness.
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.
