News Headline
Sponsors hit it out of the park at DP World Asia Cup 2025
MUMBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled a formidable line-up of sponsors for this year’s tournament, led by title sponsor DP World. Joining the roster are Wonder Cement, Spinny, Hero MotoCorp, Beyond Developments, Haier, Vimal Elaichi, Ozone Locks, Hero FinCorp, Havells, and Groww. The partnerships have been brokered by TCM Sports, the sports marketing firm with a three-decade legacy of landmark cricket alliances.
The men’s Asia Cup, running from 9 to 28 September, will see eight nations battle it out in the high-octane T20 format. With packed stadiums, fierce rivalries and a broadcast reach expected to run into hundreds of millions, the tournament promises one of its most competitive editions yet.
ACC President Mohsin Naqvi said, “The DP World Asia Cup is the heartbeat of cricket in Asia. It’s a stage where champions rise, rivalries ignite, and fans unite. We are delighted to have a dynamic mix of sponsors across categories and welcome them all as partners.” [sic]
TCM Sports, md, Lokesh Sharma added, “Participation of globally renowned sponsors is an acknowledgment of the stature of the Asia Cup. Beginning with this edition, we are placing more emphasis on fan engagement and grassroots development.”
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.






