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S8UL qualifies for Pokemon UNITE World Championship 2023
Mumbai: Emerging victorious in the coveted Indian qualifiers, S8UL, the country’s premier Esports organisation, delivered remarkable performances against renowned Esports outfits and secured their coveted spot in the global finals of the Pokemon UNITE World Championships 2023.
Led by skipper Manmohan Singh (S8UL AllMight), alongside Deep Patel (S8UL • Snowyy), Rudra Narayan Nayak (S8UL • Rex), Adnan Badshah (S8UL.Badshah), and Rahul Lavhate (S8UL • Kyurem), the team exhibited dominant gameplay throughout the tournament, ultimately claiming the prize money of $15,000.
Now poised to compete on the grand stage, S8UL will face off against the world’s most formidable teams at the Pokemon UNITE World Championships, slated to take place in Yokohama, Japan. This highly anticipated tournament boasts an impressive prize pool of $500,000.
“We take immense pride in S8UL’s exceptional performance during the India qualifiers, showcasing their resilience by bouncing back from an initial defeat and emerging victorious in all subsequent games. This accomplishment truly embodies our vision of attaining excellence in the title, as the Indian Esports community witnesses substantial growth within the Pokemon UNITE realm. Each team member deserves recognition for their unwavering dedication to mastering the game. We eagerly await the global finals where S8UL will face off against the world’s best,” expressed 8bit Creatives and S8ul Esports founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal aka 8bit Thug.
S8UL’s journey to victory is a testament to their unparalleled teamwork, supreme ability, and unwavering spirit. The five-man roster showcased their dominance by defeating Gods Reign in the semifinals with a close score of 2-1. They continued their remarkable run, triumphing over FS Esports in the grand final with a commanding 2-0 victory.
Commenting on the team’s achievement, team captain Manmohan Singh, also known as S8UL AllMight, expressed his honor in representing India at the World Championships and showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of their team on the global stage. Through tireless analysis of tactics, formulation of new strategies, and pushing the boundaries of their gameplay, they capitalised on the opportunity to dominate the best teams from India.
“S8UL carries the hopes of the nation on its shoulders and strives to make the gaming community proud. Japan, here we come!” stated Manmohan Singh.
The Pokemon UNITE World Championship 2023 will feature a total of 32 teams from around the world, with the winning team securing $100,000 in prize money.
S8UL is determined to bring its A-game to the grand stage and become the first Indian team to win this prestigious tournament.
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.
