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Slam dunks and music beats: NBA and Budweiser launch India’s first BUDX NBA House
MUMBAI: The NBA is bringing its A-game to India with a full-court press of culture, music and sport. Teaming up with Budweiser, the league is set to debut the country’s first-ever BUDX NBA House on 7 and 8 June at the Dome, SVP Stadium in Mumbai.
Timed to coincide with the 2025 NBA Finals, the two-day carnival promises more than just hoops. Think meet-and-greets with five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and Hall of Famer Gary Payton, high-flying stunts by the Sacramento Kings dunk team, and DJ-fuelled chaos courtesy of Slamson the mascot and the Kings Dancers.
“The first BUDX NBA House will be a must-visit destination for the passionate NBA fans in India to come together and celebrate their love of the game amid the excitement of the NBA Finals,” said NBA Asia head of strategy and NBA India country head Rajah Chaudhry. “We look forward to bringing this signature showcase of the NBA, music and culture to India at a time when there is incredible momentum around basketball in the country.”
BudweiserVP of marketing and trade marketing in India Vineet Sharma, called the event a “trendsetting experience” designed to blend hoops with high-octane youth culture. “We’ve long championed music and immersive fan moments. Now we’re turning up the volume with basketball.”
Produced and ticketed by Zomato, the event has also roped in Brand USA, Emirates and Visit California as partners. More sponsor activations and programming are expected to drop soon.
The NBA has previously taken its signature ‘House’ format to Brazil, France, Canada, Mexico, the US and the UK. Now it’s India’s turn to feel the bounce.
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.
