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ESS to introduce Hindi commentary for TNA Wrestling
NEW DELHI: It is like further sexing up wrestling. Call it International Tandaav, Desi Andaaz or Total Non-stop Action (TNA) or whatever, but it’s pure adrenalin pumping stuff. And, that too in Hindi.
Hand it to ESPN Star Sports (ESS) to innovate content to suit the local palate. The first edition of the TNA wrestling accompanied to Hindi programme will be aired on 2 August 2005.
Launching the TNA wrestling initiative in the capital yesterday, ESS India MD RC Venkateish said, “Our acquisition of TNA wrestling has placed us uniquely as the sports channel with the most wholesome programming. In every discipline, be it soccer, cricket, hockey, motorsports we are a clear leader. Wresting was the only genre within sports, which was missing and we have filled that gap completely after acquiring TNA Wrestling. With TNA wrestling in Hindi, we hope to take the game to the masses.”
With an aim to drumming up some excitement amongst the TV viewing public here, Indian-American wrestler Sonjoy Dutt (no relation to film star hunk Sanjay Dutt), Tryton and another wrestler would visit India in September for promotional campaign.
They would travel to Mumbai, Jaipur, Nagour, Ludhinana, Bhopal, Lucknow and Baroda, Venkateish said, adding, ”This is part of our ongoing effort to reach out to the masses and we want to achieve that not only in Hindi but also through other languages as well.”
Joe Baath and Manish Batavia, a find from the Hasha Ki Khoj contest, have been roped in as commentators, Venkateish said. The presence of Sonjay Dutt and commentators Joe and Manish will accelerate TNA’s acceptability, Venkateish pointed out, saying, “We will invest in marketing of TNA to accelerate the process.”
According to young Manish, “I worship television as a medium. I was a bit disappointed when I did not make it in Harsha Ki Khoj but thanks to TNA I have got my chance. I will make the most of it. Along with Big Joe, I have put in lots of labour in upgrading our wrestling knowledge.”
HIGH DECIBEL MARKETING CAMPAIGN
ESS will launch a multi-media, high decibel marketing campaign from 30 July to push localized TNA. The campaign will be built on the unique identity of localised TNA wrestling with the creative theme International Taandav, Desi Andaaz.
Earlier this year, ESS had entered into a three year deal with TNA Entertainment to broadcast all TNA Wrestling programmes on its channels in India and the rest of Asia. Under the deal, the two sports channels will showcase popular TNA programmes – TNA Impact, TNA Xplosion and a special weekly show from the archives of TNA Wrestling. In addition, Star Sports will also feature a monthly special.
TNA wrestling is a rival to the more establised World Wrestling Entertainment and features many superstars from the world of professional wrestling. The likes of the ‘King of The Mountain’ Jeff Jarrett, The ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels, Jeff Hardy, Raven, Kevin Nash, Shark Boy, Sean Waltman (123 kid or XPAC) and DDP are household names and revered alike by fans all over. TNA Wrestling also features Dutt, who is considered a very strong contender for the X-Division title.
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.
