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ITC to sponsor South Asia’s biggest women’s tennis tournament
MUMBAI: ITC Limited – Foods Business today announced that it will sponsor the largest ever women’s tennis event in South Asia – The Sunfeast Open 2005, that will be held in Kolkata.
The Sunfeast Open 2005 is a new event that is being added for the first time to the WTA Tour championships, and will feature some of the world’s leading players as well the new generation of Indian stars led by Sania Mirza and Shikha Uberoi.
The Sunfeast Open 2005 will be played at Netaji Indoor Stadium from 19 – 25 September, 2005 with prize money of $170,000. The tournament is being brought to Kolkata by Globosport, the sports management company owned by Mahesh Bhupathi, under the auspices of the Government of West Bengal.
Speaking on the occasion, ITC Limited – Food Business marketing head Hemant Malik said, “ITC as a company has always believed in ensuring India has access to the best in the world. ITC Foods’ sponsorship of the Sunfeast Open 2005, Kolkata is a continuation of this proud tradition. With the explosion of talent in women’s tennis in India, the Sunfeast Open 2005 Kolkata, will allow Indians to see a new generation of Indian women take on the best in the world in their own backyard. The perception of India being a one-sport country is about to change and the Sunfeast Open 2005, Kolkata, will be a major catalyst for that change.”
Yesteryears tennis legends such as Jaideep Mukherjee and Premjit Lall will play host to this tournament. West Bengal chief minister has extended all co-operation and support in ensuring the success of this event and is keen to make it an annual feature.
Indian Tennis ace, Bhupathi, said, “People always ask who will step up after Leander and I are gone… and the answer is to look at a different place, women’s tennis. Internationally women’s tennis has a huge following, and to be a women’s tennis star is to be a global sports icon. People like Sania, Shikha and Neha have made giant steps in that direction and have the potential to be role models for millions of women across India. Thanks to the vision of the West Bengal Government and Corporates like ITC Foods, we have a platform for these girls to keep improving thereby paving the way for future champions in India.”
Bhupathi also announced that he had already spoken to some of the leading players on the women’s tour. “Having played tennis for about 15 years now, I am fortunate to count some of the leading players in the world among my friends. I’ve already initiated talks with some of them and while it is a little early to announce the names, India is in for a special surprise, and we can expect one of the true giants of the women’s game in India for the event.”
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.
