News Headline
Sony Sports Network’s campaign ‘Iss Baar, Sau Paar’ becomes a reality
Mumbai: The 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou comes close to a thrilling finish after 14 days of exciting performances by the Indian contingent. The aspiration which started with one of the grandest campaigns in the history of Asian Games in India, Sony Sports Network’s campaign – ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar, Phir se, Hum Hongey Kamyab’ has truly become a reality with ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar, Ho Gaya’ after India breached the 100 medals mark for the first time in the history of the games.
‘Iss Baar Sau Paar, Phir se, Hum Hongey Kamyab’ was launched by Sony Sports Network with the clear objective of bringing the nation together and recognising the power of collective ambition, urging the heroes of Indian sports to cross the 100-medal mark, a milestone which has never been achieved by India at the Asian Games. At the beginning of the Asian Games, what seemed to be a rather aspirational target of crossing the 100-medal mark has finally turned into a reality owing to the Indian contingent’s unwavering determination to excel at the prestigious multi-sport event. Sony Sports Network’s war-cry ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar, Phir se, Hum Hongey Kamyab’ aimed to galvanise the whole nation for a singular purpose – a united India, cheering in unison, and inspiring its athletes to unprecedented heights to enable them to transcend past records and push boundaries. And the Indian contingent has gone on to hmake history with their outstanding performance across various disciplines and crossed the dream number at the 19th Asian Games.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul:
“With ‘Iss Baar, Sau Par’, our aim was singular: to inspire our athletes at the year’s biggest sporting event, the Asian Games. The campaign’s resonance, both nationally and internationally, is a testament to their prowess. Filled with pride, we watched our athletes surpass expectations, shattering records and crossing a historic centenary medal haul. This landmark achievement not only underscores their dedication and capabilities but also positions our nation on the path to becoming a sporting powerhouse.”
This visionary campaign ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar, Phir se, Hum Hongey Kamyab’ brought together influential personalities from various genres of life who echoed the broadcaster’s mission and shared their messages for the participating athletes to reach higher echelons in this edition of the quadrennial extravaganza. In addition, it was the first time in the history of any campaign that alongside Union Minister of Sports, Anurag Thakur, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan along with chiefs of tri-services Gen Manoj Pandey, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari were seen putting their might behind the Indian athletes vying for glory at the multi-sport event.
Apart from them, some of the prominent influencers of the country who lent their support included the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Sudha Murty, Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit, Aditya Roy Kapoor, John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Kapil Sharma Mirabai Chanu, Zaheer Khan, Anju Bobby George, Raja Randhir Singh and many more.
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.
