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Acer host the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 grand finals
Mumbai : Acer culminates in an action-packed season of esports tournaments with the hosting of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 13 and 14 January 2024. Fans from across the region are eager to witness exceptional gameplay and the crowning of the next Predator League champions during the grand stage, with 6,000 tickets in the VIP section to the highly anticipated event being sold out within just 48 hours after opening ticket sales.
The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals will feature 26 of the best Dota 2 and VALORANT esports teams across the region to battle it out to bring home the Predator Shield and their share of the Rs 200,000 prize pool. The top four teams from the Dota 2 and VALORANT competitions will take home their share of the prize pool as follows: winners Rs 65,000, second-place Rs 20,000, third and fourth places Rs7,500 each.
Acer pan-Asia Pacific operations Andrew Hou said, ‘ The Asia Pacific Predator League tournament helps Acer connect with all types of players in the region. This year’s grand finals is unlike any other as it celebrates the spirit of competition and adds the excitement of music and entertainment, allowing more enthusiasts to be a part of the thriving esports community.”
The Predator League has been the home ground of up-and-coming esports talents every year. Thousands of teams across the region have signed up for a chance to join and live out their dreams of winning on the big stage since the tournament started in 2018. Aside from action-packed matches, esports fans will be treated to top-notch Filipino entertainment from the country’s top artists, including Acer ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and SB19.
The two-day spectacle will be filled with live-action games, meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors, and performances by iconic Filipino artists. For day 1, fans will be treated to epic performances by Urbandub, Al James, Ylona Garcia, UPeepz, and Felip.Day 2 features KZ Tandingan, Sandwich, Franco, Spongecola, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Daloy Dance Company, Josh Cullen, and Pablo at centerstage. There will also be meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and Alodia Gosiengfiao.
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.
