News Headline
Pro Kabaddi league auction sees big buys
MUMBAI: In a major boost for Kabaddi players, eight franchises scripted a new chapter in the revival tale of Kabaddi in India. Bidding for the Kabaddi talent took place under the hammer of the traveling gavel, Bob Hayton, at the first ever Pro Kabaddi auction.
In what was seen as a tightly contested battle, eight franchises pitting their tactics and strategies, the Bengaluru Bulls, drew first blood winning the bid for star player, Ajay Thakur for Rs 12,20,000 who was Asian Indoor Games 2013 gold medalist. Similarly, Patna went all out and brought home World Cup gold medalist from 2007, Rakesh Kumar, for a whopping Rs 12,80,000, which recorded the highest bid of the day. Joining the bidding league was Delhi, who won the bid for Surjeet Narwal-2010 Asian Beach Games gold medalist for Rs 12, 20,000.
Having picked their key players from category A, team owners set out to select players from category B with The Telugu Titans setting the wining tone bid and getting on board Deepak Niwas from Jharkhand for at Rs 12,60,000, capitalising on the depth of young talent in category B.
The Puneri Paltans, who closed their bids in category A as one of the lowest spenders, went all out when they bid and won the strong defense of Manoj Kumar for Rs 9, 10,000.
Commenting on his big fortune for taking home the highest pay, Rakesh Kumar said, “This was a wonderful initiative by the federation for the benefit of all players and the sport across the globe. This is a real game-changer in the field of professional Kabaddi and is a huge step in building an infrastructure that will allow people to make a living through a sport they all love. I look forward to the quality of play that I shall be exposed to.”
International Kabaddi Federation president Janardan Singh Ghelot said, “I am happy to be witness to this day. This is a huge boost of confidence for the Kabaddi fraternity across the globe. The financial backing that the league promises is a great sign to come. We are inching closer to our mission of making Kabaddi an Olympic sport.”
“Today is a landmark day, a phenomenal start, for what should be a memorable three months to follow. Every franchise has contributed immensely towards the development of sport by injecting a massive dose of belief, commitment and respect that the sport has always deserved. We at Mashal may have started the crusade but are delighted to now be joined by a very impressive list of reputed organizations,” he added.
Speaking on the revolution of the sport, Arjuna Awardee Raju Bhavsar commented, “It is heartwarming to see how far this sport has progressed, the difference almost night and day! I never thought that in my lifetime I would be witness to a moment where a Professional Kabaddi player would be valued at such high numbers – truly worth his while. This day will go down in the history books in gold – this is the new dawn for 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.
