News Headline
Star Sports enhances IPL fan experience with “Star Nahi Far” initiative
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, has unveiled its exclusive initiative, ‘Star Nahi Far,’ aimed at bringing fans across the country closer to their IPL heroes in a money can’t buy experience. This fan-first initiative is set to enhance fan engagement and provide them with once in a lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite cricket superstars up close and personal throughout IPL 2024 season.
The ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, started from Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad, now gains momentum with the upcoming visit of Mumbai Indians and Team India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya in Mumbai on 24 February, 2024. Hardik Pandya’s arrival to the Mumbai Indian squad of IPL 2024 will be heralded by a vibrant city-wide roadshow across Mumbai, where he will interact with fans, share insights into his cricketing world and off-field endeavors while creating lasting memories with his beloved supporters.
As the excitement for the IPL 2024 season builds, ‘Star Nahi Far’ promises to traverse the nation with activations featuring IPL’s brightest stars and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Shikar Dhawan and more throughout the IPL season. Star Sports wants to give an opportunity to every true fan in the country and is also selecting fans through a contest to bring them close to their cricketing idol with 40 lakh enthusiasts already participated in the quest to meet Hardik Pandya in Mumbai.
CONTEST ALERT
Win a chance of a lifetime to be face-to-face with your favourite IPL Stars, by participating in the #StarNahiFar contest
Log on to https://t.co/bcBg9pnLx7 or participate via Glance Smart Lock screen on your phones!#StarNahiFar #IPLonStar pic.twitter.com/Q6egOBtSCR
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2024
Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ Rishabh Pant said, “The IPL is not only about cricket; it’s also about the fans who make every match memorable. With Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I will get to share the game’s excitement with fans directly. Can’t wait to meet the fans in Delhi during IPL 2024 and make more special memories together!
Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ KL Rahul said, “The anticipation leading up to the IPL season is palpable, and being able to connect with our Lucknow supporters in person adds an extra layer of excitement. Teaming up with Star Sports for the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I am eager to hit the streets of Lucknow through the season of IPL, share our love for the game, and create unforgettable memories with fans.”
The recently concluded events in cities of Tamil Nadu like Salem and Coimbatore along with Hyderabad underscores the broadcaster’s focus to nurture a deep connection between fans and their sporting icons. The resounding success of the inaugural leg witnessed over 10,000 passionate fans gathering to meet cricketing luminaries such as MSK Prasad and Irfan Pathan in Hyderabad, and Vijay Shankar, Sai Kishore, L Balaji, T Natarajan, and Shahrukh Khan in Tamil Nadu.
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.
