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Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league
NEW DELHI: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has inked a strategic memorandum of understanding with AEx Sport the sports innovation arm of UK-based AdiGroupe, to launch the Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific.
The collaboration combines Prasar Bharati’s national reach across DD Sports, All India Radio and digital platform Waves, with AEx Sport’s global firepower in production, IP, and marketing. GLW is set to be unveiled on 17 September and will hit the screens from 4 October 2025, airing weekly over a 40-week season of high-octane, family-friendly programming.
“This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling,” said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal. “GLW reinforces our vision of taking Indian sport to global heights and giving our youth a credible platform to shine.”
Positioned as a cultural milestone in Indian sport, GLW will blend traditional Indian storytelling with world-class wrestling theatrics, introducing original characters, cinematic plots, and a production style aimed at mass appeal. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to promote youth engagement through sport.
“GLW brings a new genre of content that’s rooted in our culture but built for the world,” said Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi. “We’re creating something truly unique for Indian audiences.”
Backing the league’s ambitions is AdiGroupe and AEx Sport chairman Sanjay Viswanathan, who described GLW as “an immersive, youth-led cultural experience that puts Indian talent centre stage”. He added: “We’re dedicating GLW to India to inspire pride, competitiveness and global ambition among Indian youth.”
Wrestling icon The Great Khali joins as GLW’s brand ambassador and talent commissioner, bringing star power and mentorship to the ring. “GLW offers a serious and structured path for Indian athletes to shine — on our terms,” said Khali.
With the inaugural season already generating buzz, the tie-up between India’s national broadcaster and a global sports IP developer signals a watershed moment for homegrown sports entertainment.
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.
