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Gareth Bale backs Virat Kohli’s social network startup Sport Convo
MUMBAI: Virat Kohli smartly took the social media route to announce that Real Madrid star Walesman Gerath Bale has joined him to back the social network startup Sport Convo.
Kohli tweeted, “I’ve just had an interesting convo.” This led to a flurry of messages from fans asking what was he talking about. And speculation was rife as to whom he had spoken to.
After the buzz touched new heights, Kohli revealed to his fans (known as Viratians) the interesting conversation he had was in relation to someone special joining him in backing his business venture Sport Convo. He however did not reveal the name. Instead, he gave his fans a clue and interestingly attached a picture of a heart.
Speculations were drawn that Anushka Sharma or the likes of Sachin Tendulkar might have joined him to back the social network startup Sport Convo. Then the Delhite started giving clues for his fans to guess. Clues were only accessible to fans who were signed into the platform. This initiative got many people to sign
After signing one could hear a voice saying, “Namaste it’s a pleasure to be backing Sport Convo. Looking forward to having a convo with you all soon,” in a foreign accent.
That put an end to speculations surrounding Sharma and Tendulkar. AB Devilliers, Kevin Pieterson, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo were all among the names that were being thrown around on social media.
One didn’t need to wait long for Kohli to reveal who it was. And to most fans it came as a real surprise. In fact, it was Real Madrid star Bale. It all makes sense now as his famous celebration is the heart.
“Quite an interesting story really, I have been a fan of cricket for ages and started following Virat Kohli, we got talking over social and he mentioned this idea called Sport Convo that he was starting, he sent me more detail on it and I instantly really liked it,” said Bale.
“Sport Convo was particularly attractive to me as my belief is sport benefits greatly from social media.It provides fans with the opportunity to showcase their opinions and passion for the game. Also allowing me to communicate with my fans quickly and efficiently, which is important as a professional cricketer I am always on the go. Sport Convo stood out for me and delivers all of this and beyond and that’s why I opted to back this business venture,” said Kohli.
He further added, “As you may know I’m a Real Madrid fan and it’s good to be working with Gareth Bale now on Sport Convo. There is a lot of mutual respect between us and I’m glad to have him onboard.”
Sport Convo CEO and co-founder Vishal Patel said, “Everyone involved in the business are sports fans. We have built and will continue to build a platform where sports fans can consume sport content and interact with content and fellow fans in a highly unique way. And we hope to become a place where all sports fans come to consume all things sport. We as a startup are extremely lucky to have two amazing backers. I can reveal at this stage we are now also in discussions with other personalities, both within the sport and in other industries… so watch this space.”
On Facebook, Kohli put up a competition for two lucky winners to win an autographed cap from both Bale and himself. The winner will be announced within the Sport Convo platform on 29 December, 2015.
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.
