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LALIGA and Turespaña unveil transformative initiative for Indian football enthusiasts
Mumbai: In an exciting announcement at the “Exploring destination delights and the magic of football in Spain” event, LALIGA, in collaboration with Tourism Office of Spanish Embassy (Turespaña) and Instituto Cervantes, revealed a visionary initiative aimed at transcending boundaries, using football as a conduit for cultural and human connection between Spain and India. With a focus on enhancing regional ties, the alliance endeavors to bring Indian fans closer to the richness of Spanish culture. Through innovative tools fostering tourism connections, breaking down language barriers, and providing immersive football experiences, Indian fans have the scope to embrace “Spain” as a distinctive and unparalleled brand.
With an unwavering commitment to harness the allure of the beautiful game for its transformative impact, LALIGA stands resolute in its ongoing endeavors in India. Aligned with a visionary mission to offer collaborative growth opportunities across stakeholders in the football ecosystem, LALIGA seeks to utilise “The Power of our Fútbol”, to drive change beyond the realm of sports. Acting as a catalyst for meaningful connections, LALIGA hope to yield far-reaching implications across football, business, social, and cultural spheres.
On the other hand, The Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña), Mumbai continues to work as the principal tourism body to spearhead promotion of Spain as a tourism destination in India. A destination that provides a unique opportunity to the international travel to experience a variety of activities in one single trip – whether its art & culture, gastronomy, luxury or sport, among others, Spain indeed remains one of the preferred European destinations for the Indian traveler.
With Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish government’s mission is to promote the teaching of the Spanish language and Spain’s co-official languages. It also aims to foster knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
Speaking at the presentation, Turespaña director Elisa Robles said, “Turespaña is thrilled to embark on this fantastic initiative alongside LALIGA and Instituto Cervantes. Our collaboration aims to create a bridge between Spain and India, using the universal language of football to foster cultural understanding. This alliance not only enriches the experience for Indian football fans, but also opens doors to explore the vibrant tapestry of Spanish culture, ultimately allowing the Indian travelers to truly explore and experience the beautiful destination that is Spain.”
Instituto Cervantes director Òscar Pujol in Delhi said, “Football with its universal appeal, provides a unique platform to cultivate connections. Along with the Spanish – Hindi & Bengali dictionary, we are delighted to play our part once again in these sustained efforts aimed to enhance regional ties through the breaking of language barriers and fostering of relationships through football.”
LALIGA Global Network Delegate in India Aakriti Vohra added, “LALIGA is not just a league; it’s a cultural bridge, and we are excited to once again showcase ‘The Power of our Fútbol’ as a catalyst for positive change and meaningful connections in the Indian subcontinent. As an addition to the Spanish – Hindi & Bengali dictionary, It is a moment of great pride to announce this transformative collaboration with Turespaña and Instituto Cervantes and bring Indian fans ever closer to the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture.”
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.
