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Mumbai City FC retains Andre Moritz for ISL season 2
MUMBAI: Mumbai City FC has signed the attacking midfielder Andre Moritz for the second season of Indian Super League (ISL). Moritz was arguably the best foreign recruit of Mumbai City FC last season with three goals and a couple of assists in the seven matches he played.
In ISL season 1, the 28-year-old Moritz was incredibly influential in the seven matches that he played for Mumbai, including the master class against FC Pune City, where his hat-trick led them to thrash their neighbours 5-0. He is a natural leader, good communicator and a bubbly character within the dressing room.
Moritz played in the second tier English Championship for Bolton Wanderers and also has the experience of playing in the Turkish and Brazilian leagues. For Bolton, Moritz made 27 appearances, scored seven goals and provided three assists. Before joining Mumbai City FC, Moritz had represented the likes of Internacional, Fluminense and Crystal Palace. He had represented Pohang 11 times, as they finished 4th in the K-League regular season and has qualified for the Championship round which is to be played later this year.
Mumbai City FC owner Ranbir Kapoor said, “Andre Mortiz was one of the most effective players for us last season. His presence on the field made a clear difference and we are sure that he will have an even bigger impact this season. We are thrilled to have Andre back for Mumbai City FC.”
Moritz added, “I’m overjoyed and thrilled to be back. The fans supported us till the very end last season and this year we want to give them enough occasions to cheer about. The team has a lot to prove this season and I am excited that I’m a part of Mumbai City FC again to ensure that it happens.”
Moritz will be a part of the Nicolas Anelka coached side including India National team captain Sunil Chhetri, starting their campaign against FC Pune City on 5 October, 2015.
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.
