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Kapil Dev joins SOGF Grandmasters Series as north and east zone ambassador for mind sport glory
MUMBAI: Kapil Dev is back—this time not swinging a bat but cheering on the country’s sharpest minds as they outwit, outplay and outmanoeuvre their way through the SOGF Grandmasters Series. Yes, the man who lifted India’s first World Cup in 1983 now lends his legendary presence to a very different kind of game—one with knights, queens, and a whole lot of calculation.
On 15 April 2025, the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) officially announced the cricketing icon as the brand ambassador for the north and east zone finals of its mind sports extravaganza. The much-anticipated finals are scheduled for 29-30 April at Gurugram’s Hyatt Regency, promising checkmates, rummy runs and intellectual hustle like never before.
“Mind sports are witnessing an incredible surge worldwide, propelled by high-speed internet, digital platforms, and growing accessibility. I’m delighted to join hands with SOGF to champion this movement in India. Strategic thinking, mental agility, discipline, and problem-solving—these are the qualities mind sports nurture, much like cricket. These skills are essential for shaping individuals who can compete on a global stage, and I’m proud to support an initiative that enhances India’s presence in this arena,” said Kapil.
The Grandmasters Series has already galloped through south and west zone finales in Bengaluru and Mumbai, now heading to Gurugram for its penultimate regional clash. But this isn’t just chessboard showboating—the event covers three categories: Indian Chess Masters (ICM), Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB), and Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG). With over 1,50,000 online registrations in previous rounds, the tournament has proven that strategy isn’t just alive in India—it’s thriving.
Kapil isn’t the only legend endorsing this mental marathon.
Chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy, already the brand ambassador for the entire series, continues to wave the banner for brain-powered brilliance. “Being part of the SOGF series, including my presence at the Mumbai event, has been a rewarding experience. I truly believe in its potential to unearth and nurture India’s mind sports talent. I look forward to witnessing its growth and impact, confident that it will become a significant milestone on the Indian sports calendar, attracting top players from around the world,” she said.
Her presence, paired with Kapil’s iconic credibility, gives SOGF a promotional double-whammy. According to president Shankar Aggarwal, “Having Kapil Dev as our brand ambassador for the north and east zone finals is a game-changer. His towering legacy in sports and his ability to inspire generations align perfectly with our vision.”
Let’s talk numbers:
. The IRG category saw 78,000 online warriors, 150 of whom made it to the finals.
. The ICM whittled down 3,500 registered players to just 32 finalists—16 men, 16 women.
. And in the most inclusive move of the series, the ICMB partnered with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) to handpick 16 talented minds across the country.
If you thought this was just another low-stakes game night, think again. Past zonal winners walked away with the Major Dhyan Chand Scholarship and a slice of the Rs 60 lakh prize pie. And yes, the final zone event is “phygital”—a snazzy blend of physical gameplay and digital platforms, ensuring both scale and spectacle.
Finalists in Gurugram will compete not just for regional bragging rights but for a golden ticket to the SOGF Grandmasters National Finals in New Delhi. That’s where the ultimate chess titans and card sharks will battle for national titles and global visibility—backed by alliances with the International Esports Federation (IESF), International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), and the Global Esports Federation (GEF).
Brains, strategy, glory—and now, Kapil Dev. Your move.
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.
