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Devank Dalal tops the charts at KCL auction
NEW DELHI: The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) wasted no time signalling intent. On a high-octane auction night packed with ambition and brinkmanship, franchises opened their wallets wide, and Devank Dalal walked away as the biggest prize.
The experienced right raider emerged as the highest-bid player, with Bhiwani Bulls snapping him up for Rs 19.2 lakh, the top cheque of the inaugural KCL auction. “Being the highest bid brings responsibility,” Dalal said. “I’m grateful for the trust and ready to play fearless kabaddi.”
He was followed closely by Ayan Lochab, whose explosive raiding earned him Rs 18.4 lakh from Sonipat Stars, making him one of the most coveted names of the evening. “Their belief pushes me to work harder,” Lochab said, calling the move a chance to grow with the team.
Faridabad Fighters showed their hand early by signing Jaideep Dahiya for Rs 17.4 lakh. “I play with passion and aggression,” Dahiya said. “I’m looking forward to entertaining fans and pushing for something special.”
The bidding momentum held firm as Karnal Kings secured Sunil Malik for Rs 14.2 lakh, while Hisar Heroes strengthened their attack by landing Ashu Malik for Rs 12.2 lakh. Both players spoke of confidence, opportunity and the chance to repay faith on the mat.
Further down the board, Panipat Panthers added balance by picking up all-rounder Ankit Jaglan for Rs 9.8 lakh, while Gurugram Gurus and Rohtak Royals backed proven names, signing Neeraj Narwal for Rs 9.6 lakh and Vijay Malik for Rs 9.4 lakh, respectively.
By the end of the night, the message was unmistakable. The KCL is not easing into its debut season. It is charging in headfirst.
Top 10 highest bids at the KCL auction
• Devank Dalal, Bhiwani Bulls, Rs 19.2 lakh
• Ayan Lochab, Sonipat Stars, Rs 18.4 lakh
• Jaideep Dahiya, Faridabad Fighters, Rs 17.4 lakh
• Sunil Malik, Karnal Kings, Rs 14.2 lakh
• Ashu Malik, Hisar Heroes, Rs 12.2 lakh
• Ankit Jaglan, Panipat Panthers, Rs 9.8 lakh
• Neeraj Narwal, Gurugram Gurus, Rs 9.6 lakh
• Vijay Malik, Rohtak Royals, Rs 9.4 lakh
• Yogesh Dahiya, Faridabad Fighters, Rs 9.2 lakh
• Surjeet Singh, Hisar Heroes, Rs 7.6 lakh
With cheques signed, squads taking shape and expectations soaring, the inaugural KCL season is already playing at full throttle. The auction was only the opening raid. The real collisions are yet to come.
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.
