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Idemitsu Honda Racing riders battle it out in Malaysia’s heat, gain ground in ARRC
MUMBAI: Grit, grind, and throttle defined the second round of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, where Idemitsu Honda Racing India’s riders Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves turned up the heat in the Asia Production 250cc class (AP250).
In an eight lap, tyre-burning contest against Asia’s finest, 19-year-old Quintal clawed his way from the 19 grid slot in race one to finish 18 with a time of 19:43.239. By race two, he dug deeper, rode smarter, and powered to 15 place with a time of 19:44.506, clinching one championship point.
His fastest lap? A zippy 2:25.412 — a silver lining on a steamy Malaysian afternoon.
Reeves, starting from the 24 grid spot, rode a composed first race to place 19 with a total time of 19:44.679. In race two, he crossed the line at 20 after clocking a best lap time of 2:29.021, wrapping up a learning-heavy weekend on one of Asia’s most complex tracks.
With Kavin’s single-point gain in round two, the Indian team now sits with a total of five points in the AP250 class — slow and steady, but forward.
“Today’s race at Sepang Circuit was challenging from start to finish. The technical track demanded complete focus and tested every move. It was a tough battle out there. I am taking away important lessons and remain determined to come back stronger in the upcoming races”, said Kavin.
Johann echoed the sentiment, adding, “Today’s race at Sepang Circuit pushed me on every level. The competition was intense and the track demanding. I have gained valuable experience for the team. There’s a lot to build on. With the completion of Round two, I am focused on coming back stronger in the upcoming races”.
While the points column may not scream dominance yet, the determination in the pit lane is unmistakably loud. With more rounds to go, both riders will look to translate momentum into podiums.
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.
