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Trophy time out as Hyundai brings T20 World Cup buzz to Indian cities
MUMBAI: As cricket fever clocks in early, the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has found a shiny new warm-up act. Hyundai Motor India Limited, under its multi-year Premier Partnership with the International Cricket Council, has announced Hyundai Trophy Connect, a public display of the tournament’s iconic trophy across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Gurugram from 28 January to 1 February 2026.
For fans, it is a rare chance to get up close with one of world cricket’s most coveted prizes, click photographs and soak in the build-up to the global tournament. The travelling showcase is designed as a fan-first experience, taking the excitement of the World Cup beyond stadiums and straight into city spaces.
Adding some automotive star power to the cricket celebration, Hyundai will also put the spotlight on its popular SUV, the Hyundai Creta, giving visitors a chance to explore the vehicle alongside the trophy display.
The activation goes beyond a static showcase. Visitors can test their fandom on the ‘Deewangi Meter’, with a chance to win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match tickets, while immersive elements such as a stadium-style setup, cricket-themed photo opportunities and VR cricket games aim to turn the visit into a full-fledged fan experience.
Hyundai Trophy Connect will remain open to the public for a limited period in each city, inviting families, fans and curious passers-by to join the celebration as anticipation for the 2026 tournament gathers pace proving once again that, in India, cricket’s biggest moments rarely stay confined to the boundary rope.
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.
