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Ten Sports Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup contest kicks off
MUMBAI: Are you missing the pulsating excitement of cricket already? Well there’s no reason to fret as the next mega cricket tournament – the Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup, is just round the corner. So, for those who missed their flight to South Africa for the World Cup, can now get ready to take off to Sharjah for the Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup by participating in the contest on indiantelevision.com. You need to answer four simple questions correctly and wait for lady luck to do the rest. The contest is open till 3 April.
Sharjah, the Mecca of cricket, will witness some of the finest cricket this year when four nations -Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Pakistan battle it out to take the prestigious ‘Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup’ home. The tournament begins on 3 April with Zimbabwe taking on Pakistan, the defending champions. This will be followed by Pakistan playing against Sri Lanka on 4 April. The finals will be played on 10 April 2003. The tournament will be telecast live, exclusively on Ten Sports.
The history of development of Sharjah as a cricketing venue for the organisers of the only Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) has been of a fairy tale “too-good-to-be-true” nature. The CBFS was established in 1981 under the aegis of Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, whose main aim was to honour cricketers of the past and present generation from India and Pakistan with benefit purses in recognition of their meritorious services to the game. Subsequently over the years, the geographical boundaries of this concept were enlarged, and since then the benefits have also been extended to players from Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
The Sharjah stadium, which initially started with a few limited seats and very modest facilities, now boasts of a 27,000 capacity including VIP boxes with a television, refrigerator and worldwide telephone facilities. CBFS held its 50th One-day International during 1990 and now leads Melbourne and Sydney amongst the top three principal playing centres of one-day cricket in the world.
Well, you could be the one to find out why cricket pundits believe that the Sharjah Cricket stadium has its own charisma and magic. A last ball six, a last over hat trick and several nail-biting finishes have become a feature of Sharjah Cricket. Cricket fans flock from the world over to witness true sportsmanship and experience the thrill of the game.
‘Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup’ Fact File
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.
