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Star Sports gives 20 fans an opportunity to comprise #SainaSquad
MUMBAI: Star Sports has launched the #SainaSquad comprising 20 lucky winners who will travel to Dubai to support and cheer Saina Nehwal at the BWF World Super series finale from 9 – 13 December, 2015.
Star Sports has picked 20 fans forming the #SainaSquad were picked after a series of contests across various social media platforms.
Star India COO Sanjay Gupta said, “As a broadcaster, we have always believed in bringing fans as close to the game and their heroes, as possible. Putting together the #SainaSquad comprising 20 ardent fans who follow Saina Nehwal and badminton closely is one step in that direction. The squad will also act as a platform to help increase the following of the sport. We are sure that the squad will make them heard at the BWF Super series Finals in Dubai and give Saina the much needed and well-deserved boost.”
Bajaj Electricals has come on-board as the presenting sponsor.
Speaking about the association Bajaj Electricals joint managing director Anant Bajaj added, “As a build up to our new campaign under the ‘We are Family’ tagline, we felt it apt to come on board as presenting sponsor for Saina Squad, which will ensure that whichever part of the globe Saina would play in, she would not miss her family. She will always find support in the crowd cheering for her. We wish Saina, the Saina Squad and Star Sports all the very best for this very innovative initiative to boost the morale of any sportsperson playing across the world.”
The #SainaSquad will be flying to Dubai on 8 December, 2015.
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.
