News Headline
Sunrisers Hyderabad ropes in 15 big-ticket sponsors
NEW DELHI: Sun Group-owned IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad are off to a flying start when it comes to brand partners. With the opening match of the tournament’s fourteenth edition a fortnight away, the David Warner-led team has secured no less than 15 sponsors this time around. Sunrisers had signed 13 sponsors last year.
JK Lakshmi Cement leads the massive line-up as the title sponsor. The cement brand continues its association with the team from last year, along with Ralco Tyres as a principal sponsor. The franchise has added Kent RO as another principal sponsor to its portfolio.
Jio, TCL, Dream 11, Jai Raj Steel, Nerolac and Colgate have all been retained as sponsors for IPL 14, with their logos and branding set to be prominently displayed on the team’s match kits. Kotak Bank, Tyka, IB Cricket, Double Horse and Fancode have also continued their partnership with the franchise. Anil Kumble’s technology-based sports firm Spektacom is a new addition to the list of partners.
Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO K Shanmugam is naturally ecstatic at the rush of sponsors flocking to his team. "Last year has been extremely tough for all of us, business-wise and personally. However, with the incredible support of our invaluable sponsors and fans, we managed to beat the woes and come out strongly with a super successful season. We hope that our partnerships continue to grow from strength to strength and we come back even stronger this year," he remarked.
IPL 2021 is all set to kick off on 9 April at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). After nearly two years, the cricketing extravaganza will return home with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata hosting the marquee event. All matches will be telecast live on Star Sports channels, and stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
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.
