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Star Sports1 & 1HD to telecast Vijender’s bout on Saturday, supported by Casio & Poker India
MUMBAI: Pro-boxing champion Vijender Singh will be facing the former world champion Francis Cheka in his toughest-ever professional fight. The Olympic bronze medallist will be fighting the Tanzanian to defend his WBO Asia-Pacific Super Middleweight title which he won after defeating Kerry Hope in July 2016.
The event, which has had its share of problems due to demonetisation, will be telecast on Star Sports Network.
Although struggling owing to demonetisation, the promoter of the fight — IOS Group managing director and chief executive officer Neerav Tomar said that they have been able to garner enough support and sponsorships for the fight. “We have around 8-10 sponsors and we are talking to a few more. Despite the crisis, there has been very good response,” Tomar added. Casio is one of the major sponsors on board for the bout, and Poker India is the official gaming partner for the event, highly-placed sources told Indiantelevision.com
Tomar also informed that they’re set to open a pro-boxing school and have zeroed in on 30-odd wrestlers. “16 July will be the day for which boxing fans of our country are waiting for. I am sure this event will be a big boost for Indian boxing and will open roads for other boxers who are keen to turn professional,” he remarked.
The former national squash player also said Delhi would get a refreshing taste of a high-adrenalin boxing show on Saturday.
The fight is scheduled to take place on Thyagraj Sports Complex, New Delhi, starting at 7pm. It will be broadcast on Star Sports 1/1HD and the live tickets can be booked on www.bookmyshow.com, prices ranging from Rs 1000 – Rs 12000. The fight has created a lot of excitement amongst viewers in recent times, with Francis Cheka verbally attacking the Olympic champion at every given opportunity.
Cheka has gone on record saying India would be put to shame in the match as he was going to show why he’s been the world and intercontinental champion. Vijender has been calm and composed, his usual self, saying he’ll show Cheka who is better, in the ring.
Vijender also gave a thumps-up to demonetisation, saying it was a knock-down punch on corruption. The Olympic bronze medallist said that the move was sure to have long-term benefits. The Indian boxer is on an unbeaten 7-0 spree, and will be more than happy to prove his critics wrong eighth time running.
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.
