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Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make first-ever India tour in December
Mumbai: Football legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is all set for his maiden visit to India as the Manchester United fan and founder of Ace of Pubs, Tilak Gaurang Shah will be hosting the exciting three-city tour from 15 December to 17 December.
Solskjaer is a renowned name in the football world and enjoys a huge fanbase in India as well. The former Manchester United manager is also among the leading scorers for the club with 126 goals in 366 appearances for the club. His sensational last-minute winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich is still fresh in the memories of football fans across the world.
“I have heard a lot about Manchester United fans in India from Tilak and I simply had to experience the fandom myself. I’m thrilled to join the fans in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi and looking forward to an unforgettable time. This marks my first visit to the beautiful country, and I can’t wait to be here. Best wishes and see you soon!,” Solskjaer expressed his excitement.
Manchester United fans in India will be treated with a life-time opportunity to get live glimpses of their favourite star as Solskjaer will ignite football fervour across the country when he lands in Bengaluru — the first city of his tour, on 15 December.
While Solskjaer’s trip to India was finalised earlier this year, Tilak is confident of successfully hosting this exceptional tour and making it memorable for the Indian fans. He said: “I have been an ardent Manchester United fan for more than two decades now and visit Old Trafford once every quarter for a regular dose of footballing entertainment. After talking to Ole about United’s popularity in India, I knew his network and expertise could act as a catalyst in redefining football back home. Ace of Pubs aspires to infuse the Old Trafford fervour in India. The tour will start from Bengaluru followed by Mumbai and Delhi on December 16 and 17 respectively. This will be a momentous occasion not only for Manchester United supporters but also all football fans in India.”
The football fever that accompanies the visit of the legendary icon Solskjaer will be nothing short of electrifying.
For Manchester United fans, it will be the best opportunity to get up, close and personal with Solskjaer, who will also share his favourite Premier League tales and every fan, attending the event, will receive an authenticated 1999 Champions League final jersey signed by Solskjaer himself.
Ace of Pubs is India’s largest quizzing company which conducts over 200 events per month across India and the UAE, and the bootstrapped startup company specialises in experiential events with a strong football fan network across all major cities in India and in Dubai. Making the moment even more special for the fans, the Platinum Ticket holders will get an opportunity to be part of an exclusive meet and greet with Solskjaer whereas all Platinum and Sapphire Ticket holders will get a chance to click a photo with one of the all-time greats.
During his visit, Solskjaer will hold gala dinners with fans in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Club ITC & ITC Hotels and Johnnie Walker have pledged their support as hospitality and celebration partners respectively. Ace of Trades has come on board as the Corporate engagement partner.
BookMyShow, Paytm Insider and Zomato Live will jointly facilitate ticket sales, and 12th Man Brewing has joined as gameday partners in Mumbai.
Following his playing career, Solskjaer also collaborated with the iconic coach Sir Alex Ferguson, coaching the Manchester United first team strikers in the 2007-08 season. He also transitioned into management as he assumed the role of manager at the Old Trafford in 2019 succeeding Jose Mourinho. Popularly known as the baby-faced assassin, Solskjaer has also played 67 matches for Norway, scoring 23 times for his country.
As per the Business YouGov report of 2022 measuring the popularity of Manchester United in multiple global markets, India boasts a staggering 38% of Manchester United fan base.
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.
