News Headline
Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League, has notched up strong viewership figures for the opening weekend of the milestone 10th season. According to BARC, 80.1 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports for the first four matches, amassing 2.7 billion minutes of watch time. This underscores the immense popularity of the tournament among passionate fans of the second-biggest sport in the country. Additionally, the broadcaster has witnessed a remarkable growth of 38 per cent in ratings for the opening weekend compared to the last edition, showcasing the enduring appeal of Pro Kabaddi.
Pro Kabaddi League’s return to its traditional caravan-style format has contributed to its resurgence in popularity and viewership. The tournament has witnessed spectacular performances, with Bengal Warriors commanding an unbeaten run, Gujarat Giants showcasing young raiders who are making their mark, and the return of high-flyer Pawan Sehrawat. Stalwarts like Pardeep Narwal, Maninder Singh, and Siddharth Desai have also left their mark on the league, creating a riveting narrative for fans. During the opening weekend, Gujarat Giants, led by Sultan Fazel Atrachali, won both their games at home against Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls.
A Star Sports Spokesperson said, “Pro Kabaddi League reflects the rich culture and heritage that flows through this sport in India. Our various regional feeds are customized to their respective states imbibing the values and local hero-building to capture the interest of the fans. We are glad to witness the surge in viewership for the fast-paced game and will continue to drive fandom for the rest of the season. The league generates new stars every season and has garnered support from some of the biggest celebrities, highlighting the promising trajectory of its progress through the years.”
The marketing campaign, #IndiaKiHarSaansMeinKabaddi, featuring some of the biggest stars from the country including Tiger Shroff, Ballaya, and Sudeep Kichha ignited fervent support from fans, embodying the true essence and warrior spirit of the Pro Kabaddi League. Star Sports also collaborated with superstars across the country, who passionately supported their favorite Kabaddi teams and players. The entertainment quotient was elevated with the involvement of top-notch celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan, Manoj Bajpayee, Vicky Kaushal, Tara Sutaria, Nani, and Shiva Rajkumar as well as top Hollywood Superstar Jason Momoa of Aquaman fame. Star Sports also activated canters in five markets to spark enthusiasm among kids and kabaddi players at local clubs. The season began in grand style with an all-captains press conference on the Akshar River cruise at Ahmedabad.
Reach and Watch-time Data for 2+U+R (TV + OOH)
Ratings on India Urban M15+ AB
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.
