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Emirates brings NBA Cup to New York to kick off tournament
Mumbai: The Emirates NBA Cup trophy arrived in New York to mark the start of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, following its journey from Dubai. As the official global airline partner of the NBA and inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, Emirates transported the trophy aboard an Airbus A380 featuring an NBA-themed livery. The tournament began on 12 November and will culminate with the championship game on 17 December in Las Vegas.
NBA legend James Worthy accompanied the trophy, which was handed to NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Emirates senior VP Thierry Aucoc upon arrival in New York. The flight featured basketball-themed cabin décor across all classes, with NBA-branded food served in special packaging and live NBA games available on the in-flight entertainment system, ice. Passengers in first and business class enjoyed exclusive NBA-themed snacks and a chance to socialize with worthy in the onboard lounge.
From now until 17 December, customers flying to and from 13 U.S. and Canadian cities will experience NBA-themed services, including co-branded headrests, NBA-inspired meals, and live game streaming on flights. Emirates lounges in select cities will feature NBA-themed menus. Passengers also received commemorative memorabilia such as limited-edition NBA replica aircraft models, luggage tags, and photo frames.
Additionally, basketball fans can purchase NBA merchandise, including replica aircraft models, from the Emirates official store. The Emirates NBA Cup continues with group play matchups, including the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies vs. the Golden State Warriors.
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.
