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Novak Djokovic lifts Wimbledon trophy for second time
MUMBAI: Serbian Novak Djokovic won his second Wimbledon title, defeating seven-time winner Roger Federer, 6-7(7) 6-4 7-6(4) 5-7 6-4, in a tightly contested battle on 6 July.
It was a major victory for the world number two who had lost five of his last six Grand Slam finals and his last three in a row. But the 27 year old was pushed all the way by the Swiss who faced a match point in the fourth set before forcing a decider.
Getting down on his knees in celebration, he dedicated his win, first to his fiancé Jelena Ristic and their future baby as he climbed to the players’ box.
”I don’t know how I managed to do it,” said a teary Djokovic, who had lost his last three Grand Slam finals.
”I want to dedicate this win to a few people, first of all to my future wife and our future baby. I am going to become a father soon and I am still preparing for that. To my first coach Jelena Gencic, who taught me everything about playing tennis and how to behave. Unfortunately she passed away last year but this is for her.”
This was Djokovic’s first Grand Slam title since the passing away of his first coach Gencic, who he described as a second mother. She passed away last June at the age of 76.
Known to wear his heart on his sleeve, he had kind words for his opponent who was denied a record eighth Wimbledon title.
“I want to congratulate Roger for great tournament and a great fight. It was great match to be part of,” Djokovic added.
“Roger I respect your career and everything you have done and thank you for letting me win today!”
Djokovic recalled that the Wimbledon was very special to him as it was the first tennis match he had ever seen “The first tennis match I ever saw was Wimbledon when I was five. It is the best tournament in the world and the one I always dreamed of winning.”
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.
