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‘Super Selector’ cricket show has a winner in Pollock
Shaun Pollock was selected Super International Performer in the first edition of ESPN Star Sports interactive show ' Super Selector'. The show is hosted by media personality Nasseruddin Shah.
The South African captain and all-rounder scored 419 points, closely followed by Kenyan all rounder Thomos Odoyo with 414 points. Pollock's fellow comrade in arms Lance Kluesener and Jacques Kallis also feature with 359 and 335 points respectively. India's Sachin Tendulkar led the way with the bat with 397 points followed by the skipper Sourav Ganguly with 390. Andy Flower was numero uno behind the stumps with 271 points.
Harbhajan Singh scored 297 points while Ajit Agarkar had 243. The only man to take ten wickets in a test match innings Anil Kumble scored rather low with 183 points.
28 year old Amit Walinjkar won the contest on the first episode, which received a record 118,000 entries. As part of the prize, he makes a trip to safari land and gets to be a part of the commentary team along with former opening batsmen Sunil Gavaskar, Geoffrey Boycott and Navjot Sidhu.
His winning team included South African opener Gary Kirsten, Indian master blaster Virender Sehwag, and Kenyan Martin Suji.
According to Manu Sawhney, managing director of ESPN Software India, "Super Selector has already set the World Records for the number of entries received as well as for the fastest "sign-up" rate for any similar on-line games conducted in the world." For November's game, 2,20,000 entries have already been received from aspirant super selectors, he said.
The show, which aired yesterday, will be repeated on 8 November at 5:30 pm.
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.
