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Game-Changers Unite: For the first time ever, sports journalists from across India lead the charge in boosting morale for the Indian Contingent at the 19th Asian Games!
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, known for its sports campaigns, has once again set the stage ablaze with their latest campaign, ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar,’ for the highly anticipated 2022 Asian Games. With an extraordinary lineup of luminaries, including esteemed personalities like chief of Defence Staff, general Anil Chauhan, Sudha Murty, Amitabh Bachchan and Kapil Sharma, the campaign aims to ignite the nation’s fervour for this multisport extravaganza. In a ground-breaking move, Sony Sports Network has unveiled a captivating film that captures the essence of Indian sports journalism, engaging the very individuals responsible for tracing and documenting the remarkable journeys of our sporting heroes. These sports journalists, who have tirelessly worked to popularize sports and elevate our athletes, are now the beacons of support for the Indian contingent. The broadcaster also welcomes more journalists from across the country to join in and share their message of support for Team India. The film boasts an all-star lineup of sports journalists hailing from esteemed publications such as Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika, The Telegraph, Deccan Chronicle, and regional newspapers including Dinakaran, Lokmat, Eenadu, Gujarat Samachar, Sandesh, and Asomya Pratidin. Additionally, it features charismatic RJs from popular radio channels like Radio City and Radio One, along with representatives from leading news channels Aaj Tak and NDTV 24X7. Notably, a Sportskeeda scribe also graces the screen, adding to the tapestry of media support. As the official broadcaster of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, Sony Sports Network has taken on the mission of uplifting our athletes and igniting their spirits at this prestigious event. Building on India’s impressive performance at the 2018 Asian Games, where they clinched 69 medals, the nation is now poised to conquer new heights by setting their sights on an ambitious milestone — a triple-digit medal tally of 100. With ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar,’ Sony Sports Network aims to rally the entire nation, uniting millions of hearts, and minds, to stand beside our athletes as they strive for excellence and glory. This campaign is a resounding call to break barriers, inspire champions, and witness the remarkable journey of India’s sporting triumphs at the 2022 Asian Games.
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.
