News Headline
Indian-American-led GSV to invest US$ 2.4bn on U.S stadia
MUMBAI: Gujarat-born Indian-American-led sports development company Global Sports Ventures (GSV) has announced plans to invest US$ 2.4 billion (Rs 161.8 billion) into developing the business and infrastructure of cricket across eight states of the U.S.
ICC had expressed its wish to host a World T20 in the U.S before 2020.
The announcement is the next one in a series of commitments GSV made to develop a business and infrastructure for the growing a sports cricket in the US. In September, GSV agreed to a US$ 70 million deal with the USA Cricket Association (USACA) for the licensing rights to a domestic Twenty 20 League.
GSV will focus on creating a professional league and building stadium in New York, Georgia, California, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, Washington DC, and Florida, which are capable of hosting International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.
GSV chairman Jignesh Pandya said that they were delighted to receive so much positive feedback and commitment from officials on a state level, and they were dedicated to working with local communities and businesses to provide an estimated economic output upwards of US$100 million per city.
The company estimated that each stadium will have the seat capacity of over 26,000 and will cost US$ 300 million. But, it will create in excess of 1700 new jobs while expanding the game of cricket in the U.S.
San Francisco’s Centre for Economic Development executive director Dennis Conaghan said that they were excited to welcome the opportunity that Global Sports Ventures had brought them as it would be a great addition to the professional sports network that they had in San Francisco.
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.
