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Jiostar fields big brands for Women’s World Cup 2025
MUMBAI: Cricket isn’t the only thing hitting boundaries this season, brands are too. As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 kicks off on 30th September, broadcaster and streaming partner Jiostar has unveiled a sponsorship squad as glittering as the trophy itself.
From Google’s tech powerhouses: Gemini, Pay, Android and Pixel, to household giant HUL’s Rexona, banking behemoth SBI, and luxury authority IGI, the line-up underscores how women’s cricket has become the big-ticket stage for global and Indian brands alike. More names are set to join the roster in the weeks ahead.
“We are thrilled to welcome this incredible mix of sponsors,” said JioStar chief revenue officer-sports Anup Govindan. “Each brings unique strengths and a shared vision to elevate women’s cricket worldwide. With these marquee partners, the tournament will inspire millions and open up high-impact engagement opportunities.”
For IGI, the tie-up is more than branding. “Just as every diamond is shaped under pressure to shine, so too are these exceptional athletes,” said IGI’s global CEO Tehmasp Printer. “This partnership celebrates brilliance, authenticity, and women embracing their true shine on and off the field.”
Running till 2 November, the World Cup brings together the best of women’s cricket, with India opening its campaign against Sri Lanka. Fans can watch every ball live on Star Sports or stream exclusively on Jiohotstar.
This festive season, expect not just fours and sixes, but brand fireworks too.
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.
