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Fifa World Cup’s mascot is a cheeky lion
MUMBAI: The 2006 Fifa World Cup has a new face. Goleo VI is the official mascot.
The cheeky lion and his loyal companion, Pille the talking football, were introduced at a media briefing a few days ago.
In Goleo VI, FIFA has – for the first ever time – a versatile, ‘living’ character as its Official Mascot. GOLEO VI can talk, dance, play music and make people laugh. Unlike static predecessors such as ‘World Cup Willie’ (England 1966) or ‘Tip and Tap’ (Germany 1974), Goleo VI and Pille’s enigmatic personalities will add to their versatility.
Fifa has stated that in today’s media-driven society, it places great importance on the official mascot as an image with which fans can identify. With this in mind, Fifa chose the Jim Henson Company as its partner in this innovative project.
At the briefing the lovable lion, who admits to being football-mad, also tried his luck at penalty kicks. This prompted Pelé to observe, ‘Goleo VI has a lot of self-confidence. Still, he’s not quite Brazilian with a football! But as a mascot, he is certainly in a class of his own.”
The name Goleo has been derived from the encouraging football cries of ‘Go Leo, Go!’ during matches. Fifa added the number because Goleo was the sixth applicant for the position of Official Mascot.
In the weeks ahead, Goleo VI and Pille will be appearing in front of the cameras in their own TV series, which will be produced by EM.TV AG for free-to-air channels, pay-per-view television and home entertainment media in Germany. The dynamic duo will be also present at a Germany vs Cameroon friendly match on 24 November.
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.
