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Viacom18 and PUMA light up ELCLÁSICO experience at the official LALIGA Watch Party in Delhi
Mumbai: The much-awaited clash between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid – one of the biggest sporting rivalries in world football – experienced unparalleled enthusiasm as it returned to the national capital on Saturday for the ‘The Official LALIGA Watch Party’. In collaboration with LALIGA’s media partner in the region, Viacom18 & global partner PUMA, the event witnessed massive participation. With Real Madrid securing a 2-1 win against the hosts, courtesy a Jude Bellingham brace, fans across Mumbai, Delhi, and Kerala were immersed in the LALIGA experience through similar screening activations in collaboration with LALIGA, Viacom18, and select fan clubs.
Emceed by football-centric content creator, Drogbaba, the excitement at the event was even captured by the Talk Football HD team across their social media handles while fans across different parts of the country viewed the free livestream on JioCinema and broadcast on Sports 18-1 HD. Alongside an array of exciting interactions and refreshments, fans also had the opportunity to participate in a half-time quiz activation by PUMA, on all things LALIGA & ELCLÁSICO. The grand prize was presented to a lucky fan at the end of the event through a raffle; An official LALIGA football signed by Indian cricket captain & LALIGA brand ambassador Rohit Sharma.
With regards to the success of the event, LaLiga Global Network Delegate India Aakriti Vohra said, “The passion and fervour displayed by football fans is a testament to the global appeal of LALIGA and the pull of the ELCLÁSICO. We are thrilled with the success of this event and are delighted to play a role in fan screening activations across Delhi, Mumbai & Kerala with support from Viacom18. Along with our global and Indian partners, we are committed to continuing our support for the beautiful game through this vibrant and passionate football community in India.”
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.
