News Headline
ISL sponsorship: Hero triples investment at Rs 1.6 bn
MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has, for another three years, reportedly renewed its sponsorship arrangement with IMG Reliance and Star India-promoted Indian Super League (ISL) for Rs 1.6 billion. As Hero’s last deal with ISL in 2014 was valued at approximately Rs 500 million, it has now tripled its investment in ISL.
Meanwhile, it’s a dream come true of magnanimous proportions for three college boys who have emerged from the ambitious inaugural Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) campus football championship. If luck is on their side – the trio could step into the league of extraordinary footballers through the upcoming Hero Indian Super League 2017-18 Indian Players Draft.
Mumbai lad Umesh Perambra, and Ajith Sivan and Akshay Joshy from Kerala have been drafted in the Hero ISL Players Draft scheduled on Sunday, 23rd July in Mumbai. The talented trio first caught the eye of AIFF scouts during RFYS championship finals in January 2017 and soon were invited for the India U-23 AFC Championship Qualifiers selection camp under Stephen Constantine in Mumbai.
Umesh Perambra, a central defender who played for Thakur College (Mumbai) was impressive at the back for his team as they made it to the RFYS College Finals this January. He is an attack minded defender and will be keen to get an opportunity to hone his skills in the ISL.
Young Akshay Joshy was spotted at RFYS representing his college Sacred Heart, Kochi while Ajith Sivan is the third college boy to sign for the draft. The midfielder stood out in the RFYS finals despite his Nirmala College – Kochi ending up on losing side against Charuchandra College (Kolkata).
As the ISL Indian Player Draft unfolds on Sunday, it will be a day of anxiety for the friends and family members of the trio, as they wait with bated breaths.Mrs. Sheela Joshy, Akshay’s mother, is ecstatic to see her son on the brink of breaking into professional football.
“As Keralities, we are really excited on Akshay getting this opportunity in the ISL draft. It’s a huge moment for us. Akshay has always dreamed of playing football – this is a proud moment for him and our family, for him to feature in the Draft.
“We would love if Akshay gets picked by Kerala Blasters, but we will support any team that Akshay would get a chance to play.”
Hero ISL 2017-18 Player Draft will witness a total of 15 rounds. The sequence for selection of Player Draft rounds for each club will be determined by a draw of lots on Saturday evening.
Also Read :
Star Sports launches UTT campaign with promo featuring top paddlers
Tata & JSW teams enter Indian Super League
Hotstar & Star Sports select2 SD, HD to telecast Ultimate Table Tennis live
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.
