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foundit becomes the official talent partner of the Badminton World Federation
Mumbai: foundit, a leading talent platform in APAC & the Middle East, today announced its partnership with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This strategic collaboration aims to amplify foundit’s brand presence while championing the spirit of excellence embodied by badminton players worldwide.
The partnership was unveiled during a global virtual media meet in the presence of foundit CEO Sekhar Garisa, foundit CMO Saurabh Srivastava, BWF secretary general Thomas Lund, BWF director of commercial and communications Owen Leed. As the governing body for badminton, BWF oversees prestigious events such as the Thomas and Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup, and World Tour Events, boasting a global fan base exceeding 700 million.
Through this collaboration with BWF, foundit aims to tap into the excitement and passion surrounding badminton, one of the most followed and played sports. This partnership will enhance foundit’s brand presence and enable it to connect with a diverse audience of job seekers and employers across various industries. foundit will be the official talent partner for 20 significant championships throughout the year, including the highly anticipated Thomas & Uber Cups, All England Open, Malaysia Open, Singapore Open, and the India Open.
Speaking about the partnership, foundit CEO Sekhar Garisa emphasised the shared values of agility, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence that unite badminton players and foundit. “This partnership is a testament to foundit’s unwavering commitment to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. Badminton’s immense popularity in our core markets, particularly among young professionals, makes this partnership a powerful tool for engaging with the millions of job seekers and recruiters across the markets.” he added.
Commenting on the association, BWF secretary general/COO Thomas Lund said, “We are thrilled to partner with foundit, a leading talent platform that shares our passion for excellence and talent development. Badminton is a sport built on dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of success – values that resonate deeply with foundit’s mission. By joining forces, we aim to inspire individuals to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in their careers.”
foundit further aims to partner with grassroots academies and badminton players from India and Southeast Asia, reflecting its dedication to nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels. By effectively leveraging these associations, foundit aims to inspire individuals to achieve their full potential in professional pursuits.
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.
