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India wins bronze at Asian Women’s Club League Handball Championship
Mumbai: Golden Eagles Bharat Club secured third place at the seventh Asian Women’s Club League Handball Championship, defeating Uzbekistan’s Uzbechka HC in a penalty shootout at the Dostyk Universal Sports Complex in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Captain Menica Thakur’s penalty sealed a three-two shootout win after a 22-22 draw. Priyanka’s last-second equalizer forced the game into penalties, marking the second consecutive year an Indian club finished on the podium.
“This victory means a lot to us and reflects how far Indian handball has come. The sport is growing, and we’re starting to see what’s possible with the right effort and support. I’m proud to be part of this team and excited for what the future holds for Indian handball,” said Menica, whose performances earned her a spot in the tournament’s all-star team.
As the Golden Eagles Bharat Women’s Team competed in Almaty, 1700 kilometers away in Aligarh, the next batch of hand-picked handball talents was hard at work at the Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence – Handball. Pavna Industries has recognised India’s untapped handball potential and is supporting its development through the Pavna Sports Venture and the Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence.
So far, academy players have partaken in International Handball Federation events and the Youth World Championships, showing clear evidence of the program’s progress.
“The Golden Eagles’ victory is a testament to the incredible potential of handball in India, a sport we are deeply committed to developing from the grassroots to the international stage. Our focus on women’s development is central to this mission, as we aim to create a balanced and thriving sporting culture that inspires generations to come. With every success, we’re showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage and paving the way for future champions.” explained Pavna Industries executive director and Pavna Sports Venture chairperson Priya Jain.
The Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence – Handball trains 40 selected athletes to become elite handball players while supporting their overall development. The enrollees learn tactics, refine their skills, and develop core values on the field while continuing their education at the adjacent DPS School.
Priyanka said: “It is an amazing place. The facilities here are top-notch, and we get everything we need to improve our game. The competition here is really tough, and that pushes us to get better every day. But it’s not just about handball—they make sure we’re taken care of in every way, from our training to our education. We’re taught to work hard on the court and in school, and that really helps us grow as players and as people.”
The goal is to create a talent pipeline that begins at the Golden Eagles Centre of Excellence – Handball in Aligarh, progresses through domestic leagues, advances to international competitions, and ultimately produces Olympic-level athletes. With a strong focus on grassroots development, the Pavna-led handball initiative continues to grow quietly, with no limits on its potential.
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.
