News Headline
Basketball Federation of India and Skyesports bring eFIBA India Qualifiers to select Team India
Mumbai: The Basketball Federation of India (BFI), the governing and controlling body for basketball in India, has unveiled the eFIBA India Qualifiers, with Jet Skyesports as the esports partner, to determine Team India for Season 3 of the tournament.
The eFIBA, played on NBA 2K24, is an esports tournament organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the world governing body for basketball. Over 60 national federations from around the world will be participating in the competition. Through the eFIBA India Qualifiers, a 12-member Team India will be selected to represent the nation at the Regional Finals for Asia/Oceania.
A victory in the Regional Finals will secure a spot for Team India in the World Finals in December, where they will compete for the ultimate title and a share of the €50,000 prize pool.
Jet Skyesports has tied up as the esports partner to facilitate the qualifier process, host grassroots-level qualifiers, and help identify the top 12 NBA 2K24 players India has to offer.
Commenting on the tournament, Jet Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) as the esports partner for the India Qualifiers in FIBA’s official eFIBA competition. Skyesports was founded with a vision to help aspiring players represent the country internationally, and partnerships like these allow us to stay true to that vision for the gaming community of India. With the recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games by the IOC, the world is increasingly recognising esports as a legitimate competition on par with traditional sports, and we are proud to contribute to this global movement.”
Registrations for the eFIBA India Qualifiers will be open until September 5, 2024 (LINK HERE). Registered players will compete in the Prelim Rounds, Playoffs, and Grand Finals to select the best 2K players in the country. The schedule for these events is as follows:
. Prelim Rounds: September 6 to 8
. Playoffs: September 9
. Grand Finals: September 10
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.
