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Jindal Stainless backs IIS athletes, forging India’s champions of tomorrow
MUMBAI: When steel meets speed, champions are forged. Jindal Stainless is turning this mantra into reality by partnering with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to nurture India’s next generation of track and field stars. Through its CSR arm, the Jindal Stainless Foundation, the company has become the key sponsor of IIS’ Track & Field Development program at Hisar for FY 25-26, supporting aspiring athletes on their journey to national and international success.
The Hisar centre is a crucial talent hub, scouting promising athletes aged 18–25 from across India and channeling them into a structured training ecosystem. This year, the program is mentoring 39 athletes, providing them with a holistic environment that spans world-class facilities, expert coaching, sports science support, nutrition guidance, and financial assistance for travel to competitive events. A standout feature of the initiative is the involvement of Klaus Bartonietz, former coach of Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, who brings cutting-edge biomechanics expertise to the budding athletes.
“Supporting IIS’ track & field development program is our way of ensuring young athletes can compete with confidence on the global stage,” said Jindal Stainless managing director Abhyuday Jindal. “Through this collaboration, we aim to nurture India’s future champions and empower talent where it matters most.”
IIS president Manisha Malhotra added, “Jindal Stainless’ partnership allows us to strengthen our program, giving young athletes access to state-of-the-art facilities, scientific guidance, and competitive opportunities essential for national and international success. This support is pivotal in helping India create a world-class sports ecosystem.”
Athletes in the program represent a diverse pool of talent, including budding javelin throwers like Aditya and Manpreet Singh, who are training under this rigorous system. The initiative spans sprints, hurdles, and throws, equipping participants with the skills and discipline required to excel in global competitions.
Jindal Stainless has supported IIS for several years, and by acting as the key sponsor for 2025-26, the company reaffirms its commitment to sports, youth empowerment, and social impact. This collaboration not only provides a platform for emerging athletes but also strengthens the broader goal of positioning India as a hub of athletic excellence, demonstrating that with the right infrastructure and support, world-class champions can emerge from any corner of the country.
With steel backing speed and science guiding skill, the Hisar centre is shaping up as a launchpad for India’s athletic dreams, ensuring the next generation of track and field stars is fit, fast, and future-ready.
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.
