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Nitu Chandra named brand ambassador for ‘Patna Pirates’
Mumbai: In a significant development for both the world of sports and entertainment, the renowned actress Nitu Chandra has taken up the prestigious role of brand ambassador for the illustrious Pro Kabaddi team, the Patna Pirates. The Patna Pirates, with a remarkable track record of securing three Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) championships, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated teams in the league.
Nitu Chandra, a versatile actress known for her contributions to cinema, brings her charisma and love for sports to this partnership. Her journey from the silver screen to the Kabaddi arena is poised to ignite a fresh wave of enthusiasm among fans and supporters alike.
Speaking on this exciting venture, Chandra said, “Sports has been an integral part of my life from a very young age, and Patna holds a special place in my heart as my hometown. Joining hands with the Patna Pirates is a dream come true. It couldn’t be a more fitting way to celebrate talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication. The Patna Pirates have consistently demonstrated prowess and resilience in the Pro Kabaddi League. I am thrilled to join this incredible journey as their brand ambassador.”
The Patna Pirates, through their remarkable journey in the Pro Kabaddi League, have carved a niche for themselves as a formidable force in the sport. With a stellar team of athletes and a passionate fan base, they have achieved remarkable success, clinching the PKL championship three times. Nitu Chandra’s association with the team adds a touch of stardom and an element of glamour to an already vibrant franchise.
The Pro Kabaddi League, known for its thrilling matches and competitive spirit, is set to commence its tenth season. With Nitu Chandra as the brand ambassador, the Patna Pirates are poised to embark on this journey with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. This season promises to be an exciting spectacle where skill, strategy, and sheer determination will once again take center stage.
As the countdown to the tenth season of PKL begins, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the electrifying Kabaddi action that the league is known for. With Nitu Chandra’s association with the Patna Pirates, this season is expected to create history in the arena and the hearts of millions of fans who passionately follow the sport and its remarkable journey.
The collaboration between Hollywood actress Nitu Chandra and the Patna Pirates is a testament to the unifying power of sports and entertainment. It signifies the seamless blend of talent, glamour, and sportsmanship and is set to create a lasting impact in Pro Kabaddi.
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.
