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Star Sports Select celebrates Wimbledon’s return with new promo
KOLKATA: Star Sports Select, the official broadcaster of the premier Grand Slam event has launched a promo #GreatnessResumes that brings to the fore how the toughest setbacks lead to the greatest comeback. Wimbledon 2021 will be live and exclusive on Star Sports Select from 28 June- 11 July, 3:30 PM onwards.
Wimbledon was cancelled last year, for the first time since the Second World War, due to the pandemic. However, this year’s men’s and women’s singles final will be played with full capacity crowds in attendance on Centre Court, while the tournament will begin with 50 per cent capacity across the grounds, the AELTC announced.
Star and Disney India sports head Sanjog Gupta said, “Wimbledon is the most revered of all Grand Slams with rich history and strong appeal amongst fans. Through #GreatnessResumes, we look to further the excitement for the return of this iconic championship after two years. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Federer, Serena, and Djokovic along with the new generation of top players, to the grass at AELTC. And with history at stake, the occasion has assumed greater proportions, which fans can experience on SS Select.”
Federer, who left the clay courts at Paris midway, will hope to make a strong return, and extend his winning record at Wimbledon. World No. three Rafael Nadal pulled out of The Championships and the following Tokyo Olympics to prolong his career. The Spaniard, who lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic at the French Open, said that that the two-week gap between Roland Garros and Wimbledon “didn’t make it easier on my body to recuperate after the always demanding clay-court season”.
Nadal’s absence now puts the World No. one Serbian in a prime position to notch up another title-winning run at London. Djokovic will draw level with Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles if he retains his Wimbledon crown.
Meanwhile, in the women’s field, veteran Serena Williams along with World No. one Ashleigh Barty will be the cynosure of all eyes. World No. three Simona Halep, and two-time champion in London, Petra Kvitova will also be of key interest to fans as they could pose tough competition to their opponents. In a big delight for Indian tennis fans, superstar Sania Mirza, who has not played on tour since the WTA 1000 Dubai Open in March, returns to action in the doubles event.
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.
