News Headline
U Mumba lifts PKL 2 trophy; Star India’s estimated earnings pegged at Rs 55 cr
MUMBAI: With Ronnie Scewvala’s U Mumba lifting the Pro Kabaddi League season 2 trophy, the second edition of the sport has come to an end. U Mumba won the final against Bengaluru Bulls with six points, after a nail biting match. While the winning team is celebrating, the other happy party is its official broadcaster Star India, which seems to have made moolah aplenty from the property.
Sources close to the development gave Indiantelevision.com an assessment that the broadcaster succeeded to generate revenue to the tune of Rs 55 crore.
While the native sport always had an enormous fan following in the country, what it lacked was proper packaging. When packaged in an alluring manner, the sport garnered a cumulative reach of 435 million in its debut season. In terms of viewership too, the sport managed to surprise many as it garnered annual viewership of 128 GVTs.
This year, the ratings have propelled and after 49 matches, the tourney garnered 1.25 TVRs compared to 0.81 TVRs of 2014. The average reach has also inclined from 3.74 per cent to 4.43 per cent. The time spent has gone up in the 2015 edition to 20.41 minutes compared to 16.88 minutes as per TAM Sports analysis.
While Star retained the title sponsorship with Star Sports, the broadcaster successfully roped in eight associate sponsors on board viz. TVS, VIP Frenzie, Bajaj Electricals, Thums Up, State Bank Of India, Flipkart, Government of India Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Mahindra Jeeto. On the other hand, while Radio Mirchi associated with Pro Kabaddi as radio partners, Britannia became the referee partner.
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.
