News Headline
Star Sports launches new World Cup campaign
MUMBAI: With the ICC Cricket World 2015 a few days away, Star Sports in association with Lowe Lintas + Partners unveiled a youth-centric campaign titled, #wontgiveitback, for the upcoming tourney. The campaign, the second in a series to promote the ICC Cricket World Cup, will set the stage for a marketing blitz that will be unleashed by Star Sports for the biggest ever sporting spectacle in the country.
The campaign reflects the sentiment among the young India cricket fans and perfectly captures their mood as the Men in Blue prepare to fend off 13 other teams and defend their title with the war cry – ‘Won’t Give It Back’. It’s the fans’ rallying call to support Team India in their quest to give it their all Down Under in Australia and New Zealand.
The film features the young Team India connecting with their fans on the World Cup. The fans expect them to “give it back” and answer all the challenges head on… the pressure, the aggression… but not the Cup… ”won’t give it back”!
A Star India spokesperson said, “The passion for cricket in this country is second to none and we at Star, are committed to make the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup bigger and better than ever. We have a series of path-breaking initiatives in the pipeline ready to be launched in the build-up to the World Cup, across multiple platforms. #wontgiveitback sets the ball rolling and portrays the attitude of this new, young and bold Team India. The campaign connects with the youth in their language, reflecting their attitude and will get the young cricket fans excited about cricket’s biggest and grandest extravaganza.”
Commenting on the creative execution for the campaign, Lowe Lintas + Partners’ national creative director Arun Iyer said, “We wanted to capture the aggressive attitude of the new Indian cricket team. They are team that gives it back. And given the fact that we are defending champions we felt won’t give it back was an interesting way to capture this attitude.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be broadcast on Star Sports network. India kicks off its title defense on 15 February, when they face-off against arch-rivals Pakistan. The tournament will be broadcast in six languages (Hindi, English, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali). The games will be streamed on allowing viewers to “carry the cup” and watch it on their own personal screen.
The campaign will be unleashed by a multi-media campaign across the Star network supported by digital, print, radio and outdoor. The campaign will be supported by digital amplification and an extensive trophy-tour – with fans across the country sending their message “won’t give it back”.
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.
