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Total Sports Asia, Mountain Dew launch adventure reality show
MUMBAI: Mountain Dew, the drink that celebrates the adventurous pulse of the youth, has launched an adventure reality show with Mountain Dew Himalayan Challenge 2006.
Mountain Dew has partnered with Uttaranchal Tourism and associated with co-sponsors – Ten Sports, Mentos, Hercules TI and Weekender. The event is being managed by Total Sports & Entertainment India.
The event will see 10 teams of 3 contestants each, pitted against each other amidst the mighty range of Himalayas to win prize money worth Rs 200,000 . The Challenge will comprise of teams participating in adventure sports such as rock-climbing, rappelling, GPS navigated cross-country, white-water rafting and mountain biking.
The event will air over five episodes on Ten Sports, from May to June 2006. Besides this, the event will be promoted through heavy activation in press and outdoors to create awareness and build participation.
Pepsi India executive VP, marketing – flavours Pratik Pota says, “The Mountain Dew Himalayan Challenge 2006 is designed for all adventure enthusiasts who dare to challenge and showcase their competitive streak. The event exemplifies Mountain Dew’s daring imagery and we are positive that this will help strengthen Mountain Dew’s association with adventure sports as well as enhance consumer connect in India”.
Total Sports Asia director business development Shail Kapri says, “We are proud to associate with Mountain Dew and launch the mega ‘Mountain Dew Himalayan Challenge 2006’ in India. Adventure sports is fast gaining popularity in India and the event is a reflection of the adventurous spirit that has caught the attention of the youth. We are positive that such initiatives will give a boost to the competitive sport segment in India”.
The event will be held in Auli and Rishikesh from 23 to 25 April. On the first day, the teams will compete across rock-climbing, rappelling and cross-country in Auli. On the 25th, they will raft down from Kaudiyala to Laxman Jhoola in Rishikesh, followed by mountain biking through Rajaji National Park till end at Rishikesh Barrage. The prize presentation ceremony will take place on the eve of 25 April, which will also see the winners of the ‘Runner-Up Trophy’ and the ‘Mentos Trophy’ for the ‘quick thinking’ team.
To participate in the event consumers can fill entry forms, available at any of the 52 Weekender stores across the country. They can also log on to www.dewdares.com and enter the challenge. The last date for entries is 18 April. The teams will be selected from across 40 cities and will comprise of 3 members each. The nationwide selection will be on the basis of various parameters such as fitness, health, past experience etc. Entry is open to all above 18 years of age and is free of cost.
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.
