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TSA appoints Sudhir Sahni as new India MD
MUMBAI: One of Asia’s global leader in sports content and branding solutions, TSA (Total Sports Asia) has appointed Sudhir Sahni as its new managing director Indian-subcontinent based in Delhi.
Sahni comes with over 25 years of experience in the advertising industry. With a post graduate degree from India Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, he comes with a deep understanding of various consumer segments and the experience of building strong brands across various product and service categories.
Sahni has worked with leading global brands and organisations like American Express, Coca Cola India, Pernod Ricard India, Max New York Life, Pepsi Foods, Glaxo Smith Kline, KFC, Taco Bell, Gillette, besides leading Indian brands like Religare, Usha, HT Media, Spice Telecom, among many others.
Besides shorter stints at leading advertising agencies like RK Swamy (BBDO), JWT and Draft FCB, Sudhir spent 16 years with O&M India, in various roles, including the last three years as the president – head of advertising at the Delhi office. Sahni was also the country manager, India at Tag Worldwide before joining TSA.
Founder and group CEO of TSA Marcus Luer stated: “We are delighted to welcome both Sudhir and Al to the TSA Senior management team. I am confident that their deep knowledge of the Indian and Malaysian advertising industry will provide us with new and fresh perspective. TSA has evolved over the past years and today our brand consulting and strategy approach linked to sports properties as well as branded real estate projects have created waves across the region. I am confident that under the leadership of Sudhir, we will continue to be on the forefront of new and exciting projects in the country.”
Speaking on his new appointment, Sahni added: “Sports is a great platform for communication and branding. Being associated with local and global sports properties is a very powerful way for brands and corporations to connect with their consumers and stakeholders. For years, India was only about cricket, now finally the interest in sports is becoming much broader and TSA is well placed and committed to provide fresh and unique brand building solutions to marketers in the area of sports, entertainment and real estate. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to drive TSA’s business in India and add my expertise to the overall vision of the company.”
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.
