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India gears up for MotoGP ten days to rewrite speed records
Mumbai: With just ten days to go, motorsport fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting to witness history in the making at MotoGP Bharat. Hosted at the renowned Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida on 22-24 September, the race aims to shatter the highest speed record in the history of motorsport.
The Buddh International Circuit has been homologated making it suitable for motorcycle racing for the first time ever.
This year, Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM set the high-speed record at 366.1 Km/hr. India hopes to reach somewhere around 370 Km/hr, thanks to the long back straight, measuring 1006 metres. This straight stretch is divided into two parts – the first segment is downhill, which will allow the riders to achieve maximum acceleration, while the latter part, which is uphill, will enable them to brake late and maintain top speed.
Fairstreet Sports director racing Amit Sandill said, “MotoGP Bharat is poised to redefine speed in the world of motorcycle racing. The Buddh International Circuit has undergone remarkable modifications, and it will be breathtaking to see the riders achieve mind-boggling speeds.”
The parabola or the stadium section on turns 9 and 10, is the perfect camber for riders to slingshot out of the turns and permits them to push their bikes to the limit. The track’s surface gives exceptional grip to the tires, offering riders complete control over their machines. Meanwhile, safety measures have been bolstered with the installation of 1800 metres of new safety barricading.
Dorna Sports chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta added, “The changes made to the Buddh International Circuit are truly remarkable. This track now stands witness to India’s commitment to hosting world-class motorsport events. We believe the circuit has the potential to register speed that could rewrite the MotoGP record books.”
With a track that is flowing, and fast, and includes 13 challenging turns (eight right and five left), MotoGP Bharat promises to be a landmark event in the world of motorsport.
Some of the biggest names from the racing world including Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati, Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team, Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney, Brad Binder and Jack Miller of Red Bull KTM, Jorge Martin of Prima among others, will participate in MotoGP Bharat to be held on 22-24 September 2023.
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.
