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Cup of upsets brews as Man United face Grimsby in Carabao Round 2
MUMBAI: Stormy seas or smooth sailing? The Carabao Cup’s second round promises a splash of drama as Manchester United head to League Two minnows Grimsby Town on 27 August, a fixture that already has the scent of a classic cup upset. United, still chasing their first win of the season under Ruben Amorim, are expected to hand new signing Benjamin Šeško his debut up front, while Harry Maguire could be thrown back into the starting XI. Kick-off at Blundell Park is set for 12:30 am IST and all eyes will be on whether the Red Devils can steady their shaky start.
The round features nine Premier League clubs, with Graham Potter’s West Ham seeking their first victory of the campaign against Wolves (12:00 am IST). Bournemouth and Brentford collide in the round’s only all-Premier League tie at 12:15 am IST, while Sunderland host Huddersfield and Burnley take on Derby at the same time. Sheffield Wednesday’s clash with Leeds United completes Wednesday’s opening batch at 12:30 am IST.
The next day, Brighton travel to Oxford United (12:15 am IST), Fulham welcome Bristol City (12:15 am), and Everton face League Two side Mansfield Town (12:15 am). But it’s Grimsby vs Manchester United that has captured the imagination, the kind of David vs Goliath script that has given this competition its fairytale reputation for decades.
All fixtures will stream live and exclusive on Fancode across web, mobile, and TV.
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.
