News Headline
World number four Stan Wawrinka to participate for Aircel Chennai Open 2015
MUMBAI: Current world number four, Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka today confirmed his participation in the 20 edition of the Aircel Chennai Open, India’s and South Asia’s Premier ATP World Tour tennis event, scheduled to be held at Chennai’s SDAT Stadium from 5 to 11 January 2015.
The 29 year old has had an incredible 2014 that started with his final match victory over Edouard Roger Vasselin in Chennai, en route to which he recorded his 300th career match win at the Aircel Chennai Open. Stan followed this by capturing his first Grand Slam championship title with a stunning four-set victory over top seed Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final.
Commenting on his presence at the event, Stan Wawrinka said, “I am looking forward to being part of the action and adventure and, of course, all the festivity. I definitely plan to show up ready to play my best with the goal of kicking off the New Year by defending my title in Chennai.”
TNTA vice president and AITA vice president, Tournament Organising committee chairman Karti P Chidambaram said, “Chennai’s tennis fans adore Stan Wawrinka, supporting his every game and rejoicing with every victory he registers. As we celebrate two decades of the tournament in the country, the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association extends a warm welcome to the world number four.”
IMG Reliance COO Ashu Jindal said, “He will be playing in the event for the seventh consecutive year and the continued presence of players of his caliber is a testament to the strength of the tournament and to the ongoing support of fans in the city. We welcome him to Chennai and look forward to seeing him spread his magic at SDAT once again.”
The title sponsor for the tournament is Aircel and the event is supported by a consortium of sponsors in the platinum and gold category, headed by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
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.
