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Star Sports & Airtel 5G Plus partner to live stream virtual avatars of top fans
Mumbai: Sports broadcaster Star Sports has collaborated with Airtel 5G Plus for the TATA IPL 2023, to launch a path-breaking initiative on Cricket Live called ‘Airtel 5G Plus Ultimate Fan’. This innovative initiative enables a unique interaction between virtual avatars of cricket fans and legends of the game in the Star Sports studio during the Cricket Live show. The association drives large awareness and adoption of Airtel’s 5G technology. Star Sports, the official television broadcaster of the marquee tournament, has thus taken technological innovations a notch higher, being a pioneer in introducing the world’s first broadcast innovations to create an immersive and engaging viewing experience on television.
The ‘Airtel 5G Plus Ultimate Fan’ eliminates the need to be physically present in the same studio as the experts during ‘Cricket Live’, and fans can be beamed from any location in real-time. The authenticity of the interactions of the photo-real virtual avatar is validated by depth in expressions, gestures and actions which makes the initiative distinct and a never-seen-before activation. The engagement, part of Star Sports’ constant efforts to bring fans closer to their favourite teams and players, is powered by the superfast Airtel 5G Plus and is the first time ever on Indian television that an innovation of this magnitude has been seen.
“For us at Star Sports, the sports fan has always been at the core of all our innovations. By collaborating with Airtel 5G Plus, we have been able to deliver a delightful experience for several fans, while creating a disruption that has never been seen before on Indian television. Our commitment to innovate and leverage it to drive unparalleled impact for brands will always be unrelenting,” said Disney Star head of network – ad sales Ajit Varghese.
“We at Airtel are focused on bringing the latest technology and impactful innovations to our customers. Airtel 5G plus launch has led the way for a new generation of wireless technology, that powers many emerging use cases – virtual reality in sports being one of them. Partnering with Star Sports & EssenceMediacom, we have brought alive this path-breaking VR innovation at one of the largest customer stages – the Tata IPL. Our cricket fans will see the next generation of immersive experiences in sports, live on their TV screens,” said Bharti Airtel director consumer business Shashwat Sharma .
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.
