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Ultimate Kho Kho ropes in IndianOil as Powered By Sponsor for Season 2
Mumbai: Ultimate Kho Kho, India’s first-ever professional Kho Kho league, has onboarded IndianOil, the country’s leading diversified, integrated energy major as the Powered By Sponsor for its ongoing Season 2. Aligning with Ultimate Kho Kho’s vision of bringing a modern twist to the traditional sport, this partnership solidifies the league’s commitment to shaping the future of Kho Kho in India.
Having recently secured Series A funding from UK-based BNP Group after successfully raising its valuation, Ultimate Kho Kho became the first sports league in India to secure private equity investment to grow the trajectory of Kho-Kho in India and globally.
Their partnership with IndianOil is set to unfold through an extensive marketing campaign, encompassing digital and on-ground activations. This collaborative effort will showcase player engagements, social media promotions, and fan-centric initiatives, all geared toward amplifying the league’s reach and influence throughout the nation.
Reflecting on the strategic association, Ultimate Kho Kho CEO & league commissioner Tenzing Niyogi commented, “We are thrilled to welcome IndianOil as our Powered By Sponsor to elevate the stature of Kho Kho in India. Ultimate Kho Kho was conceived with the vision of not only reviving the rich heritage of Kho Kho but to propel it into a new era of dynamism, and entertainment. Our commitment to making Ultimate Kho Kho larger, bolder, and the ultimate source of entertainment for Bharat aligns perfectly with IndianOil’s dedication to leaving a lasting legacy on the Indian sporting landscape. We are confident that this partnership will act as a catalyst for the growth of Kho Kho in India.”
With a presence in almost all the streams of oil, gas, petrochemicals, and alternative energy sources in the country, IndianOil stands as the nation’s highest-ranked Energy-PSU in the Fortune 500 of 2023.
As part of their association with Ultimate Kho Kho, IndianOil will secure the naming rights for the post-match award, recognizing the ‘Attacker of the Match.’ Additionally, IndianOil will also have the naming rights to the league’s exciting powerplay segment, which was dominated by Chennai Quick Guns’ stalwart all-rounder Ramji Kashyap who accumulated a total of 24 skydive points this season.
According to a YouGov Report, the first season of Ultimate Kho Kho reached a massive audience of 164 million across various media touchpoints, emerging among the top 3 non-cricket leagues in India.
Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, the ongoing season 2 of Ultimate Kho Kho will witness high-octane action between the top four teams – Chennai Quick Guns, Odisha Juggernauts, Gujarat Giants and Telugu Yoddhas during its semi-finals which are scheduled to be played on 11 January 2024.
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.
