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Play Sports kicks off its phase one initiative to transform sports
Mumbai: Play Sports, an extracurricular management and talent curriculum platform has announced its phase one initiative which aims to transform sports development in Rajasthan and ultimately throughout India. Play Sports has appointed renowned personalities as brand ambassadors to further involve and motivate emerging sporting talents. Boxing champion MC Mary Kom, actor and TV host Rannvijay Singha, and tennis legend Sania Mirza are all supporters of the initiative helping to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Play Sports is transforming India’s sports ecosystem by focusing on infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots engagement, starting with Rajasthan and expanding nationwide. With a goal to prepare India for success in the 2036 Olympics and position it among the top 10 sporting nations, Play Sports aims to build a strong and sustainable framework for future athletes.
The project’s goal is to ignite the thrill of sporting excellence in India. The platform aims to engage parents, renowned athletes and enthusiastic educators with improved curriculum in a range of sports including athletics, cricket, judo, tennis, karate, football taekwondo, handball, wushu, skating, kabaddi, chess, volleyball, table, tennis, badminton and many more to foster a culture of sports excellence at all levels and increase youth involvement.
Through strategic partnerships and endorsements from influential sports personalities, Play Sports is not only fostering a culture of excellence but also inspiring a nationwide movement towards sporting greatness.
Ranvijay Singha on the optimistic potential of the development programme, shared, ” I am confident that Play Sports is not just a game-changer but a catalyst that is setting us on course to become a global superpower in sports. Their comprehensive approach to developing infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and elevating sports standards is exactly what India needs to rise to the top of the global sporting arena.”
Sania Mirza shared, “With Play Sports, I am deeply committed to fostering grassroots development and creating a robust tennis ecosystem in India. By focusing on young, aspiring athletes and providing them with the right resources and support, Play Sports is laying the foundation for a future where Indian tennis can shine on the world stage”
Mary Kom shared, “My dream has always been to inspire and create 1,000 champions like myself. With Play Sports, this dream is taking tangible shape. Their dedication to grassroots development and athlete support aligns perfectly with my vision of nurturing future champions and making a lasting impact on the world of sports.”
Play Sports is not only fostering a culture of excellence but also inspiring a nationwide movement towards sporting greatness. As the initiative continues to expand its reach and impact, it promises to be a driving force in shaping India’s sporting future and realizing its Olympic aspirations.
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.
