News Headline
New Zealand goes on an African Safari; play 3 test series against the Proteas
New Delhi, April 14, 2006- ESPN STAR Sports, Asia’s number one broadcaster, will telecast Live and exclusive, New Zealand’s African Safari starting April 15, 2006. The islanders play a 3 test series against the Proteas in continuance to their 5 ODI series in October 2005. New Zealand is the second team from the pacific to tour the African country this month after Australia.
Kiwi premier bowler, Shane Bond, has been cleared to play the First test despite a niggling knee injury that kept the fast bowler sidelined during warm up matches. The lanky bowler has been a proven match winner for the Kiwis with an impressive record of 64 wickets in 14 tests at an average of just 17.57 runs per wicket.
On the other hand, South African skipper Graeme Smith is struggling with his finger injury to be fit for the first test. The young Proteas captain and opening batsman has been fighting to be in shape since the last test he played against Australia in the first week of April. Jacques Kallis, who captained South Africa in that test, is on stand by to lead them in case of Smith not being declared fit.
Kallis or Smith, the Proteas will have a big task on hand after a demoralising first ever whitewash at home in tests by Australia. The Kiwis would be looking to take their chances with the master tactician Stephen Fleming marshalling his troops ever so effectively. Fleming is arguably best captain in the game today.
The two sides have met each other 30 times in a test match with South Africa leading the head to head count 14-6. The Kiwis would be looking to set the record straight and would look to take the series to prove their cynics wrong. New Zealand has been one of the best ODI sides but still needs to put things in perspective in Tests and they will be counting on this opportunity in South Africa.
Catch the action live and exclusive on ESPN STAR Sports
Schedule of the Bangladesh Vs Australia Test series
Date
Time
Event
Channel
April 15-20, 2006
13.58
South Africa Vs New Zealand, First Test Match, Centurion
ESPN
April 27- May 1, 2006
13.58
South Africa Vs New Zealand, Second Test Match, Cape Town
ESPN
May 5-9, 2006
13.28
South Africa Vs New Zealand, Third Test Match, Johannesburg
ESPN
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Sameer Bajaj, Manager – Corporate Communications, Email:
sameerb@espnstar.co.in
Or Tarundeep Singh, IPAN at 011- 42492100, 9811017310 Email:
tarundeep.singh@ipan.com
For the latest schedules and programme information visit
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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.
