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Hyderabad hosts College Rivals pan-India esports showdown
Mumbai: Ampverse DMI has brought its much-anticipated esports collegiate tournament, College Rivals, to Hyderabad. College Rivals, which has already taken Delhi by storm, is making a grand arrival in Hyderabad, with its awe-inspiring gaming truck. Following a spectacular grand finale that concluded the Delhi chapter, College Rivals’ focus now moves to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai.
The overwhelming response from students and colleges in Delhi, coupled with the event’s robust presence on social media, underscores its surging popularity. With a staggering 13,000 registrations received through both online and offline channels, College Rivals has unquestionably seized the imagination of the youth and shows no signs of slowing down.
With this second phase in Hyderabad, College Rivals continues its dedicated efforts to nurture esports talent by engaging with the thriving gaming culture in India’s educational institutions. The arrival of the College Rivals IP in Hyderabad marks the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter in Ampverse DMI’s mission to elevate competitive gaming and foster fellowship among college students. Hyderabad has emerged as an online gaming hub, and gaming enthusiasts await engaging in an unmatched experience in esports that is enabling a growing gaming culture in India.
Prepare for an event that promises to unlock Hyderabad’s gaming potential as Ampverse DMI welcomes students and gamers from all corners of the city to embark on this extraordinary journey. The College Rivals mobile gaming truck will traverse Hyderabad, conducting player selections and providing an immersive experience. Participants will dive into a world of high-stakes esports, fiercely contested tournaments, engaging influencer interactions, pulsating live DJ performances, and limitless entertainment.
Expressing his excitement, Ampverse India country head Ashwin Haryani said “We are delighted to bring the College Rivals tournament to the vibrant city of Hyderabad. This marks a pivotal moment in our mission to unite and empower the gaming community within India’s educational institutions. Partnering with DMI Finance, we are set to redefine the esports landscape. Get ready, Hyderabad, for an unforgettable journey into the heart of competitive gaming”
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.
