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Nimbus wins title, ground signage sponsorship rights for Pakistan cricket
MUMBAI: Nimbus Sport has reached agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that gives it all title and on ground signage sponsorship rights to international cricket played in the country for the next three years.
Nimbus secured the sponsorship rights, co-sponsorship rights and in-stadia advertising rights at a price of $ 8.1 million and according to sources close to the developments, the total outgo for Nimbus over the next three years would work out to $ 10 million.
The deal, which was signed yesterday, runs from 2006 through to 2008 and covers five international series, including the Indian cricket team’s visit to Pakistan’s in January-February next year. As regards the India angle there is also the fact that Pakistan is hosting the Asia Cup, which again features India.
Among the other deals that Nimbus Sport has negotiated recently in the cricket arena are the the commercial rights to the upcoming Challenger Trophy 2005 and for the Afro-Asia Cup cricket tournaments of 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The Challenger Trophy 2005-06 is being staged by the Punjab Cricket Association and will be a key determinant in choosing the India team to face Sri Lanka next month.
For the Afro-Asia Cup rights, Nimbus paid $ 11.8 million. The total outgo for Nimbus in terms of rights fees as well as production costs at the end of three years has been calculated at $ 15 million.
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.
