News Headline
Star Sports lines up new ‘Believe’ story
Mumbai: In the realm of sports storytelling, Star Sports – India’s leading sports broadcaster – soars to new heights with its flagship ‘Believe’ series. This trailblazing series, driven by the innate desire of fans for contextually relevant original programming, has become a resounding show of celebrating hero moments, and demonstrating to fans that anything is achievable; inspiring them to believe. The inaugural episode, ‘Believe – A Diwali Miracle’ featuring cricketing virtuoso Virat Kohli, received immense love as 73 million viewers tuned in on television to watch the two-part inaugural story, and over 11.2 million views were garnered on Star Sports’ social handles (YouTube and Facebook) for the show. The show was also aired in the UK, US, Canada, Middle East, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Speaking on the success of the first episode of the ‘Believe’ series, a Star Sports spokesperson said, “The phenomenal success of the ‘Believe’ series serves as a powerful testament to fans’ appetite for relevant original programming. At Star Sports, we firmly believe in the transformative power of high-quality content-content that not only entertains but also inspires and forges a profound connection with fans on a deeper, more meaningful level. It reinforces our commitment to delivering narratives that resonate globally and transcend the conventional boundaries of sports broadcasting.”
Beyond the impressive numbers, the ‘Believe’ series stands as a testament to providing athletes with a voice to share their journeys, offering fans a glimpse into their minds, and inspiring the next generation of sports stars. This trailblazing series, driven by the innate desire of fans for contextually relevant original programming, has become a resounding show of celebrating hero moments, and demonstrating to fans that anything is achievable; inspiring them to ‘Believe’. Building on the momentum, the upcoming episode will feature KL Rahul detailing his remarkable comeback from a point where walking seemed impossible to becoming India’s wicketkeeper for the World Cup, returning stronger than ever before to be the point of difference in India’s enthralling campaign. The feature will air after the first Test match between South Africa & India on the Star Sports Network.
KL Rahul in his inspirational interview in the ‘Believe’ series delved into how he kept the noise out and coped with the criticisms during his lowest periods, he said, “You can’t really change people. You’re allowed to say what you feel, and a lot of it at that time felt more hurtful than it actually was probably. Now looking back, I feel I could have looked at it very differently, but also a lot of it has to do with where you are personally. I wasn’t in a great space mentally at that time to take that kind of criticism.”
The series also highlights the inner Belief that lies within KL Rahul as he continues his journey, he said, “There’s always been something within me from a very early age, a voice or an energy that always felt right. Like I always felt I was in the right direction. As always, I am very grateful that I picked a career path that I really enjoy, and I wanted to do. So, every time I find myself in a position like Oh, what am I doing? Why am I going through these injuries? Or why are so many people criticizing me? I always go back to thinking that this is what you wanted to do, so it’s a part of your game. I believe that it’s all part of the journey, and you need to take the good and the bad in a very balanced way. And it’s all part of an individual’s growing and journey to getting stronger as a person. And as you get stronger as a person, it reflects on what you do professionally.”
The ‘Believe’ series will follow this with tales of other heroes like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant, and fans can anticipate more first-hand accounts through the year of world class athletes who have charted the arduous paths that have led them to the pinnacle of sports excellence. Star Sports’ ‘Believe’ series is not just a show; it’s a celebration of resilience and triumphs, showcasing the indomitable spirit of India’s champions across sports with a new feature every month.
Catch KL Rahul in action as he features on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar special “Believe” show on 28 December, 2023, 9 pm onwards.
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.
