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Premier Hockey League offers participation fee to players
MUMBAI: This is a move that should give Indian hockey a financial boost. The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), has announced that for the first time in the history of domestic hockey in India, players will receive an appearance fee in a domestic tournament at the Premier Hockey League (PHL) which kicks off next month.
ESPN Star Sports is the broadcaster partner of the event. Television spots promoting the event are airing on the broadcaster. The hockey players will receive anywhere from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 100,000 for participating.
The prize money on offer at PHL is Rs 7.1 million. Speaking on the occasion.IHF president KPS Gill said, “All my boys play for love of the game. I am very happy to announce league participation fees for players which will motivate them further.
“It is very important that the game of hockey attracts good talent and if the players are provided the best of facilities, career assurance, avenues to play good hockey and are also paid well at the same time, there is no doubt that we will retain good talent and also attract youngsters to the game.”
The players have been divided in four levels in Tier I as per their experience and performance. As per this division, the players in the top most bracket will get paid Rs 100, 000 while Level B will be offered Rs 35, 000 and Level C players and D will be rewarded Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 each as league participation fees.
Further, in an attempt to take the game to higher stature, for the first time ever, the team support staff including the coach, manager of teams of Tier I will also receive Rs 25,000 for participating in the league.
The winning team of the Tier I will take home Rs. 3 million while the runners up will carry Rs 1 million. The winner of Tier II will get Rs 400,000 while the runner up will receive Rs 250,000.
Last week, sports goods major ‘Adidas’ announced sponsoring ‘Official Kits’ and merchandise to all ten participating teams in PHL. The merchandise includes entire playing, training and travel kit comprising official playing jerseys and shorts, training gear, kit bags, track-suits, stockings, wrist bands, travel trousers, shirts, bandannas and caps. Adidas has used its latest global technology for producing the uniforms for this premiere league.
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.
