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NBA, WNBA, and Dream11 announce a multiyear extension to elevate fantasy basketball gaming in India
Mumbai: The National Basketball Association (NBA), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Dream11, the fantasy sports platform, today announced a multiyear extension of their existing collaboration that will see Dream11 continue as the official fantasy gaming partner of the NBA and WNBA in the country. The renewal builds on Dream11 and the NBA’s relationship that began in the 2017-18 season with the launch of the league’s first official fantasy game in India.
Through the extension, fans in India can compete daily in a variety of public and private NBA and WNBA-themed fantasy games. Simulating the role of a general manager, fans can construct a virtual team of NBA or WNBA players and accumulate points based on the players’ real-life on-court performances.
“With India being one of the fastest growing markets in the world for fantasy gaming, bolstering our presence in this space has been a key focus for us over the last few years,” said NBA India Country head Rajah Chaudhry. “We have seen a significant increase in fan engagement since the launch of our official fantasy game on Dream11, and as we embark on this continued journey together, we look forward to pushing the boundaries of innovation in fantasy gaming and providing fans with even more exciting ways to connect with the NBA and WNBA.”
Speaking on the partnership, Dream11 Chief Marketing Officer Vikrant Mudliar said, “Our partners have played a key role in making Dream11 the world’s largest fantasy sports platform. As we extend our collaboration with the NBA and WNBA, we’re committed to taking the excitement of basketball to new heights for our users. This association underscores our dedication to the sport while also highlighting the limitless possibilities in the realm of fantasy gaming. Together we are committed to redefining the way fans engage with basketball and the leagues, creating an immersive and unparalleled experience for users.”
Fans can play the official NBA and WNBA fantasy games at Dream11.com and on the Dream11 App, which is available for download via the App Store.
The 2023-24 NBA season is airing live in India on Sports18-1, Sports18 Khel, JioCinema and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App. Fans in India can follow the NBA on Facebook (Facebook.com/NBAIndia), Instagram (@NBAIndia and @NBAStyle_in for everything style related), X (@NBAIndia) and download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos and more.
The WNBA Draft will be held on Monday, April 15, and the WNBA’s 28 seasons tip-off on Tuesday, 14 May 2024. Live games will be available on WNBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the WNBA App. Through the WNBA App’s around-the-clock women’s basketball coverage, featuring the latest news and biggest stories, real-time notifications, social style vertical videos and customizable viewing options, users can stay connected with the WNBA and women’s basketball in a new way. Classic WNBA programming, including documentaries, game highlights and public service announcements can also be viewed on Doordarshan (DD) Sports. Fans in India can follow the WNBA on Facebook (Facebook.com/WNBA), Instagram (@WNBA), and X (@WNBA).
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.
