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ESS brings three leading TNA wrestlers to Mumbai on 22 September
MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports will be introducing TNA Wrestlers – Sonjoy Dutt, the only Indian in the professional wrestling circuit along with two more leading wrestlers – SharkBoy and Simon Diamond at an extravaganza in Mumbai on 22 September.
The event will be held at Bhavan’s campus in Mumbai at 7:30 pm.
ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd vice president sales and marketing Sricharan Iyengar said, “ESPN Star Sports has been constantly working to innovate and localise our programming so as to suit the taste of Indian audiences. As a part of this strategy, we launched TNA Wrestling in Hindi in the month of August this year. Consumers have appreciated the product offering.”
“The visit of three TNA Wrestlers is an effort to further accelerate the popularity of TNA Wrestling in India. The three wrestlers will be introduced to the consumers in Mumbai on 22 September. This special event is targeted to reward the wrestling fans who will now get a chance to see and experience their idols live on stage. We are working on a lot more interesting ideas to further build the interaction between the wrestling stars and their fans. Dutt, the only Indian in the professional wrestling circuit, is expected to generate maximum euphoria. More than 3000 fans will be rooting for the star wrestler at Bhavan’s campus,” he added.
Highlights of the evening include a special interaction of actor Anil Kapoor with Sonjay Dutt. Singer Abby will perform at the function. Mahua and Anshuka, from the erstwhile ‘Viva’ group will also perform followed by a dance presentation from a troupe of Russian Dancers on three selected medleys. The three wrestlers will be introduced to the audience in a very innovative style.
This event is a part of marketing initiative to further build the popularity of TNA Wrestling in India. Post Mumbai, the wrestlers will also visit the cities of Baroda, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Bhopal and Nagpur.
Earlier this year, ESPN Star Sports had entered into a three year deal with TNA Entertainment, LLC to broadcast all TNA Wrestling programs on its channels in India and the rest of Asia. Under the deal ESPN Star Sports showcases popular TNA programs – TNA Impact, TNA Xplosion and a special weekly program from the archives of TNA Wrestling.
In addition Star Sports also features a ‘Monthly Special’ – the ultimate battle after a month long build up, every month. In all, ESPN Star Sports showcases 60 hours of wrestling every month.
ESPN Star Sports launched TNA Wrestling in Hindi on 2 August this year. This initiative is in line with the channels’ strategy to constantly innovate and localise content to suit the taste of Indian audiences. The sports network roped in two new Hindi anchors – Joe Baath and Manish Batavia to commentate in Hindi.
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.
