News Headline
@FIFAHindi: We have taken care of growing ‘football’ conversations, says Twitter exec Madani
MUMBAI: FIFA today launched a new Twitter account @FIFAHindi — the maiden global sports federation to do so — to cater to football fans in the most widely-spoken language in the host country — India.
This FIFA U-17 World Cup is set to make history as it will be the first FIFA competition in India. It will also be the first participation of an Indian national team in a FIFA competition. Now, FIFA and Twitter are embarking on another ‘first’.
The Twitter account will keep fans updated on the progress of the 52-match tournament, taking them on a journey across the six venues, as 24 teams compete for the trophy. It will also update fans about important information related to their fan journey, and will retweet the best fan tweets, as #FootballTakesOver in India.
FIFA chief communications officer Fabrice Jouhaud said that they were committed to deepening their engagement with fans around the world.
FIFA knew, he said, the Indian fans were not only excited about the World Cup, but were huge supporters as well. FIFA would therefore be closely analysing the success of the Twitter account over the next four weeks, he added.
Football had a significant place on Twitter with a strong community and constantly growing conversations, said Twitter head of sports partnerships – Asia Pacific Aneesh Madani.
With the launch of the Hindi Twitter account, FIFA was transcending the barriers of language and enabling even more access, as the first-ever FIFA event in the country would kick off, Madani added.
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.
