News Headline
Furlenco gets a front-row seat with RCB, adds comfort to cricket chaos
MUMBAI: The boundaries aren’t just being hit on the field this T20 season—they’re being broken in the bleachers too. In a move that might make your sofa jealous, Furlenco has parked itself smack in the middle of the cricketing carnival. Yes, they’ve gone full throttle as the official furniture partner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 18 edition of the Indian T20 League 2025.
After dipping its toes into the Women’s T20 League earlier this year, Furlenco has now cannonballed straight into the main pool. This time, it’s all about adding plush, posh, and pizzazz to the matchday madness. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a recliner while watching a nail-biting super over?
As part of the tie-up, Furlenco has kitted out the hospitality stands at Bengaluru’s iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. Think less plastic chair, more posh parlour. Spectators can now soak in sixes and style in one sitting. Meanwhile, the RCB squad won’t be left lounging around either—Furlenco is sprucing up their team room (dubbed the RCB HQ) into a cosy, chic lair for strategy, stretching, or just sulking after a collapse.
Not stopping at cushions and couches, Furlenco will also host a dedicated fan kiosk at the stadium—a one-stop shop for cricket lovers to engage in fun activities and get hands-on with the brand’s home hacks.
Off the field, Furlenco flexed its thought-leader muscles by sponsoring the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit powered by Leaders. Held on 14-15 March 2025, the event saw the who’s who of the sports world chew over serious topics like business of sports, tech, and policy. Venue partner? The Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence.
Furlenco CEO & founder Ajith Karimpana couldn’t hide his glee, “Furlenco is thrilled to be the Official Furniture Partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the Indian T20 League 2025. This collaboration strengthens our association with the RCB team while enhancing the fan experience at the stadium. As the league approaches, we are excited to bring comfort, style, and engagement to cricket enthusiasts through our presence in the Hospitality Stands, players’ team room, and the fan engagement zone. Additionally, our support for the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit underscores our commitment to driving sports innovation and elevating the overall cricketing experience.”
RCB COO Rajesh V Menon chimed in with matching enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to announce Furlenco as our Official Furniture Partner. Their expertise in creating functional and stylish spaces perfectly aligns with RCB’s commitment to providing world-class experiences for both our players and fans. With Furlenco’s presence in key areas of the stadium and their support for the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sport Summit, this partnership significantly enhances the overall fan engagement experience.”
In a league where brands usually just slap on a logo, Furlenco has pulled out the rug (literally) to embed itself in every layer of the cricketing chaos. From beanbags to brainstorming, the brand is not just watching the match—it’s in it.
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.
