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Ronaldinho begins esports journey with own cryptocurrency
MUMBAI: Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho, has released a personalised cryptocurrency with the help of World Soccer Coin (WSC). The cryptocurrency is named as ‘Ronaldinho Soccer Coin’ (RSC).
Ronaldinho Digital Stadiums will be developed in 300 locations including Asia, the Middle East, Africa and others within three years. The stadiums will be created using cutting-edge digital technologies such as block chain, AI and VR. Venues in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines are expected to be ready in 2019, with an esports competition to be held in Bangkok.
Speaking about the plans, Ronaldinho said, “Ever since I thought of retiring, I started to think about my life after retirement. I wish to contribute to the world as much as I can. I want to bring a smile to as many people as possible through this project.”
With the aid of the revenue generated by the new coin, the former Barcelona star hopes to develop a soccer academy and host fixtures, as well as focusing on digital soccer projects.
The digital aspect includes a betting platform, equipping stadiums with virtual reality capabilities and creating a blockchain database. These innovations will be assisted by technology from Chinese company NEO smart economy.
NEO founder Da Hongfei said, “Using the blockchain technology of NEO, we will build a new smart economy from an existing economic system.”
The pre-sale of the coins will start from 16 August 2018.
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.
