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Convergence: Everything you need to know
Mumbai: Get ready for an unforgettable showdown as Riot Games debuts Convergence, its first-ever esports tournament in India in partnership with The Esports Club and sponsored by Lenovo! We’re excited to announce the match-ups and schedule as six of the best VALORANT teams in the world battle it out at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore from 14 to 17 December.
Riot Games country manager, India and South Asia Arun Rajappa said, “Convergence marks an incredible moment for Riot Games in India, and we’re grateful to our devoted VALORANT fans who’ve been with us since 2020. India holds a special place in our global growth vision, and our focus on player-centric community building remains unwavering. Our aim is to establish India as a premier destination for esports, fostering an inclusive ecosystem that not only uplifts players but also captivates audiences, reinforcing the vibrancy of the gaming landscape.”
If you want to be there in person to witness the action firsthand, you can grab your tickets. here.
Participating Teams
Convergence will see franchised teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas and True Rippers Esports, an Indian team that qualified via a Closed Qualifier event.
1. Global Esports (India)
2. Gen.G Esports (South Korea)
3. Team Vitality (France)
4. FUT Esports (Turkey)
5. FURIA (Brazil)
6. True Ripper Esports (India)
Tournament Format
Tournament Schedule
Where to Watch
The tournament will be broadcast in multiple languages (Hindi, English and Korean) and the full list of channels can be found below.
Twitch
English: https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_pacific
Korean: https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_kr
YouTube
English: https://www.youtube.com/@VCTPacific
English: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsportsClub
Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsportsClub
Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/@VALORANTEsportsSA
Korean: https://www.youtube.com/@VCTkr
Others
Korean: https://bj.afreecatv.com/valorant
Korean: https://game.naver.com/esports/Valorant/home
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.
