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Bengaluru gets a smashing serve with Pickleball Now Grand Prix debut
MUMBAI: Game, set… and smash! Bengaluru is all set to witness a sporting spectacle with a twist as Times Network serves up the Pickleball Now Grand Prix on 30 August 2025 at Gorally, Whitefield. Billed as India’s first premium lifestyle pickleball showcase, the daylong event promises a fiery mix of sport, community, and high-energy fun. Over 250 registered players will battle it out across 7 dedicated courts, cheered on by more than 500 attendees. With a Rs 2 lakh prize pool, 14 winners and 14 runners-up will take home medals, trophies, and bragging rights, all backed by official Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) points to up their global standing.
The format caters to both seasoned pros and rising enthusiasts, with Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles in Intermediate and Open categories, plus a cheeky Mystery Partner draw where teammates are paired at random ensuring unpredictable rallies and plenty of laughs.
Backing the Grand Prix is a power-packed sponsor roster, led by Hell Energy Drink (presenting partner) and MG Motors (driving partner), with big names like Skechers, Just In Time, Aris Perfumes, River Bikes, Amity University, Coindcx, Radico, Zoho, Acerpure, Assetz Builders, Airavat, and Stayvista all jumping on board.
With booming brand power, rising player numbers, and a sport that’s fast becoming India’s newest obsession, the Pickleball Now Grand Prix looks set to ace its debut not just as a tournament, but as a lifestyle statement that Bengaluru won’t stop talking about.
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.
