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Bharat Army packs its bags for the T20 World Cup 2026
MUMBAI: When cricket goes on tour, the fans follow preferably with a boarding pass in hand. Bharat Army has unveiled its official fan travel packages for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played across India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
Launched through its travel and experiences arm, the packages promise a smooth, match-first journey for supporters chasing the action across venues. Priced from $359, the offerings are now live on the Bharat Army website, with existing Gold Members unlocking special privileges on select packages.
The programme comes with serious credentials. Bharat Army has been globally appointed by the International Cricket Council as an official travel partner, giving fans access to authorised match tickets and ICC-backed experiences, a crucial reassurance at a tournament of this scale.
Over the past decade, Bharat Army has delivered travel programmes across 12 ICC events, with close to 40,000 fans opting for its curated packages. That experience feeds directly into the 2026 offering, which is structured around three options, Premier Match Experiences, Ultimate Match Experiences Lite, and Ultimate Match Experiences. Each package is available across three ticket categories, allowing fans to tailor their World Cup journey.
Among the standout inclusions is the ICC Champions Preview, a premium experience built around the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in Colombo on 15 February. The package pairs the marquee match with a gala evening, turning cricket’s fiercest rivalry into a full-fledged occasion.
Founder Rakesh Patel said the focus remains firmly on access and authenticity, noting that fans today want more than just a seat in the stands. With the World Cup returning to the subcontinent, the aim is to deliver comfort, credibility and moments that extend beyond matchday.
Operating at the crossroads of sport and travel, Bharat Army is once again positioning itself as a go-to companion for fans who prefer their cricket with a side of experiences. With bookings now open, the road and runway to the T20 World Cup 2026 is officially clear.
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.
