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Bojan Djordjic confirms participation for Hero ISL
MUMBAI: Hero Indian Super League confirmed the participation of former Manchester United player Bojan Djordjic for the inaugural season. The winger-cum-attacking midfielder will feature among the 49 players in the central international player draft to be held on 21 August 2014 in Mumbai.
Commenting on his association with the league Bojan Djordjic said, “Playing in the Indian Super League will be a great adventure, a chance to meet new people and help them to become stronger in a sport that has been my passion for my whole life.”
Djordjic joined United in 1999 at 17 from Brommapojkarna, a Swedish second division club near his Stockholm home. United spotted Djordjic playing in the under 17 European championships for Sweden against England. Within a year Bojan earned the rare distinction of United’s Young Player of the Year. By 2001, he was named in United’s first team squad on a regular basis.
Over the last 15 years, the now 32 year old has gained vast international experience having played competitive football in England, Scotland, Serbia, Denmark, Sweden and Hungary. Known as a creative centre midfielder and touted as a set-piece specialist, Bojan has played key role for his respective teams in winning four league titles in four different countries – the domestic doubles with Glasgow Rangers (Scotland), Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) and AIK in Sweden and won the League Championship in Hungary for Videoton FC. He was also instrumental in making Plymouth Argyle FC a strong championship side during his time in England.
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.
