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MotoGP riders experience India’s vibrant culture & cricket ahead of IndianOil Grand Prix of India
Mumbai: Star MotoGP riders tested their ability to play cricket on Thursday as they celebrated the spirit of motorsport in the heart of India ahead of the first-ever IndianOil Grand Prix of India, scheduled to be held from 22 – 24 September at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.
The enthusiastic and passionate group of riders, including the reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Luca Marini and Pol Espargaro seized the exhilarating opportunity to indulge in a thrilling game of gully cricket at the Buddh International Circuit track. Their fervour and energy reached new heights as they played some fantastic shots and sent the cricket ball far into the stands.
Star Indian cricketer Suresh Raina also joined the riders at the track and played cricket with the fasted man on MotoGP bike Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
The riders were also involved in the Flash Mob MotoGP before experiencing the thrill of cricket on track. Marco Bezzecchi, Jack Miller, Aleix Espargaro, Jorge Martin and Alex Marquez were joined by 30 local and talented dancers who performed their hearts out to showcase the ethos and culture of India and radiated the buzz of MotoGP.
“It is great to be here in India and I am ready to race at the Buddh International Circuit in IndianOil Grand Prix of India. The track looks really nice and I will take a close look later on but right now it looks really beautiful. We took part in a flash mob and saw these performers doing the typical Indian dance which has been a fantastic experience. All the dancers were really emotional, so, it’s been really good,” commented Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing Team (Ducati).
Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati) stated, “Coming to India is really great for MotoGP™ and fans are also really excited for the race. I am feeling happy to be here for the first time. I loved the track, the layout is really nice and we will do our best to give fans a great showing.”
Organized by FairStreet Sports in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the IndianOil Grand Prix of India promises to be a thrilling spectacle with 41 teams and 82 riders participating in the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 categories, featuring renowned names like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, and Jorge Martin.
The high-pulsating action of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India will be exclusively broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on JioCinema in India. Fans can secure their tickets for the exciting event on BookMyShow.
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.
