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Universal Music and Ten Sports launch cricket song for World Cup
MUMBAI: Music label Universal Music India in association with Ten Sports Network has launched a song that celebrates cricket, titled Heroes (We Could Be).
With the cricket World Cup craze taking over the country; the song echoes the sentiments of a nation reeling with cricket fever.
The original song of the same name by Grammy-nominated Swedish DJ/producer Alesso featured the vocals of Tove Lo and is a global hit. The Indian version has been sung by Kanika Kapoor, who has sung songs like ‘Baby Doll’ (Ragini MMS2) and ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’ (Roy).
The song is in Hinglish with lyrics written by Manoj Yadav. Kapoor has also shot a video for the song, which reflects the passion and excitement of the sport and features some great cricket action from the various cricket series that have been telecast on Ten Sports Network.
Kapoor said, “I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting sporting project. It’s unlike anything I’ve done before and in India it can’t get any bigger than the sport of cricket besides the fact that it’s backed by a leading sports network – Ten Sports. I’m extremely grateful to Universal Music for giving me this opportunity as I eagerly look forward to my fan’s reactions to this song and video created for the sport we all love so much – cricket!”
Universal Music / EMI Music managing director South Asia Devraj Sanyal said, “We all know that cricket and Bollywood are considered religions in India and we are ecstatic to bring together the two with Heroes (We Could Be) – a song celebrating the sport of cricket sung by the current #1 female voice in Bollywood playback Kanika Kapoor, who has done an exceptional job on the song by capturing the passion of the sport. And then to have the Ten Sport Network as our partner on this project, who being part of the Zee Network, have an incredible reach pan-India, we are confident that this song will soon become synonymous with the sport of cricket.”
Ten Sports Global CEO Rajesh Sethi added, “Ten Sports Network, leader in sports entertainment with rights of five Cricket Boards believes in exploring innovative and unique ways to reach out to its audiences. Heroes (We Could Be) in collaboration with Universal Music India is one of the initiatives to celebrate the sport of cricket.”
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.
