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Skyesports and Indonesian Embassy unite for historic event at India Gaming Show 2024
Mumbai: Skyesports, an esports tournament organiser, has announced a collaboration with The Indonesian Embassy of New Delhi for an esports showmatch at the India Gaming Show, as India and Indonesia commemorate the 75 anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. The sixth India Gaming Show 2024, an international gaming, animation, and infotainment event is being organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from 14 to 16 March in Pune, India.
The esports showmatch at the Skyesports Grand Slam will feature a top team from India and Indonesia competing in the popular PC game, Counter-Strike 2. This event not only celebrates the rich history of diplomatic relations between the two nations but also highlights the growing importance of esports in fostering international connections.
According to Niko Partners’ Asia Games Market Report, Indonesia boasts over 180 million gamers, while India impressively claims 421 million gamers, predominantly aged between 16 and 64 years old. This vast gaming community presents a unique opportunity for both countries to promote their gaming industries and explore avenues for further collaboration.
A representative from the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi said, “We highly appreciate the collaboration between The Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi with Skyesports in the Skyesports Grand Slam, as this is also a great opportunity to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and India by doing people-to-people contact activities. Various activities have been planned, such as an exhibition game between both teams from Indonesia and India, a panel discussion with stakeholders from both countries as speakers, and promoting Indonesia local games through Indonesia Pavillion at the Exhibition that show potentials for the Indian market.”
Commenting on the thrilling showmatch between India and Indonesia in the Skyesports Grand Slam, Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to be hosting the India – Indonesia showmatch at the India Gaming Show 2024 in Pune as a part of our Skyesports Grand Slam IP. As the esports industry continues to soar globally, this collaborative initiative between Skyesports and The Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi not only celebrates the longstanding diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia but also underscores the immense potential of esports as a platform for cultural exchange and international cooperation. This showmatch exemplifies how gaming transcends boundaries, bringing together diverse communities in friendly competition, and signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of esports on the world stage.”
The India – Indonesia Showmatch will be played as a part of the Skyesports Grand Slam, an international esports tournament in the India Gaming Show 2024. Besides the showmatch, the tournament will witness four elite teams – one from India, one from Australia, and two from Europe – engaging in intense esports action for the title of champions and a share of the impressive $50,000 prize pool.
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.
