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Star Sports unveils #HamaraBlueBandhan campaign to support women’s cricket team
Mumbai: Star Sports has unveiled a new campaign called #HamaraBlueBandhan to rally the nation behind the Indian Women’s cricket team. The first campaign film of the series is dedicated to the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 that will begin airing from 4 March.
India’s journey in the tournament will begin on 6 March at 6:30 a.m against arch-rivals Pakistan. “The campaign aims to epitomize the spirit of cricket and bring to life the bond that cricketing fans across India have with the Women in Blue,” said the statement.
The film picks up from India’s heart-breaking loss in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 finals against England and highlights how close the team has come to becoming world champions. “The fandom and support for the Women in Blue has increased many folds since the 2017 finals and the sport has given rise to many new heroes making them household names. The upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 will be India’s chance to go one step further and become world champions,” said the statement.
“We are delighted to host the Women’s World Cup across Star Sports & Disney+ Hotstar, showcasing the premier event to millions of cricket fans across the country,” said Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “The exemplary performance of the Indian team coupled with our continued efforts to popularise Women’s Cricket had seen the T20 World Cup in 2020 shatter viewership records. The growing popularity of women’s cricketers serves as an inspiration for everyone, but especially for young girls to enter the field of sports. The #HamaraBlueBandhan campaign seeks to bind Cricket fans together to rally behind the Indian team as it embarks on a 12-month journey of conquering world Cricket starting with the WWC 2022. We wish the women in blue the very best and are sure they will continue to inspire us with their journeys.”
The team India ODI captain Mithali Raj, along with the experience of Jhulan Goswami, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur among others will look to lead India to its maiden Women’s World Cup triumph on 6 March at the Bay Oval, Tauranga in New Zealand.
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.
