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Over nine million fans participated in “We for Virat” contest
Mumbai: Over 9.3 million cricket enthusiasts nationwide actively participated in the “We For Virat” contest during the recently concluded Cricket World Cup. This contest which was organised by Glance, the world’s leading Smart Lock Screen, in partnership with Star Sports, South Asia’s largest sports broadcaster, was aimed to engage cricket fans in supporting the batting maestro Virat Kohli on his journey towards the 50th ODI centuries milestone.
The contest was simultaneously held on Glance Smart Lock Screen and during the live cricket broadcast on Star Sports. Cricket fans were presented with questions related to Kohli, enhancing their engagement with the game. The combined influence of television broadcast and the digital platform resulted in entries flooding in from 252 different cities and towns across India, turning it into a truly national moment.
Glance CMO Bikash Chowdhury said, “Glance Smart Lock Screen is changing how over 200 million Indians connect and engage with the world around them. With our expansive reach and Smart Lock Screen capabilities, we have united millions of Indian cricket fans through a partnership with Star Sports on television. Fuelled by immense passion for the Indian cricket team, the participation of over 9.3 million Indians made this World Cup truly exceptional. This collaboration showcases the synergy of digital and television, contributing to a distinctive and memorable experience as an Indian legend surpassed another on home turf.”
The contest involved people answering daily questions asked on Glance smart lock screens and the Cricket Live broadcast on Star Sports before and after every match in the period played between 1 to 11 November. Five lucky winners, who came from diverse towns and cities such as Kolad, Maharashtra and Kolkata, West Bengal, got a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the Star Sports studios.
On November 15, they became part of the live broadcast for the India-New Zealand semi-final from the Star Sports studio in Mumbai and had the opportunity to meet renowned ex-cricketers from Star Sports’ expert line up.
Throughout the tournament, Glance has been delivering World Cup highlights and related updates directly to millions of smart lock screens. With over 75 million Indians actively engaging with the content on their smart lock screens, and a total of 69,444 hours of content consumed daily during World Cup, this has become an extraordinary moment. The frictionless access provided by Glance smart lock screen has allowed users to stay informed about every moment in this record-breaking tournament.
Glance is an AI-driven platform that offers a wide range of experiences directly on the lock screens of android smartphones. These lock screen experiences include instant games, live game streaming, news, sports, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, shopping, and live content. These premium and beautiful experiences are delivered through Glance’s partnership with reputed publishers, content partners, and developers. Glance’s AI personalises these experiences, ensuring that consumers find content that is most relevant and important to them, each time they glance or look at their lock screen. They do this without needing to unlock their phones or download multiple apps or spend time searching for content.
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.
