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Pro panja packs a punch with record 250 million viewers in season 2
MUMBAI: Arm-wrestling isn’t just about brute strength anymore, it’s about breaking viewership records too. Pro panja league season 2 has wrestled its way into the hearts and homes of India, smashing past its previous benchmarks with a record-shattering 250 million household reach on television and over 150 million social media views.
The gripping tournament, co-founded by Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani of Swen Entertainment, took things up a notch this year, leaping from 185 million TV households last season to a staggering 250 million. On social media, it flexed even harder, drawing more than 100 million followers during the tournament and setting new benchmarks in live engagement, particularly on Instagram.
The turning point came on day five, when two fiery face-offs, Jaipur vs sher-e-Ludhiana and Rohtak vs Mumbai muscle, lit up the screens and fuelled a viral storm across platforms.
Regionally, the strongest viewership muscles were flexed in North India (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh), which made up 20 per cent of the audience. The North East followed with 24 per cent, while Maharashtra and Goa contributed 16 per cent. The league also found a stronghold in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, despite being hosted in Gwalior.
From men’s and women’s bouts to para-arm wrestling, season 2 had something for everyone. August alone saw over 100 million Instagram views and a cumulative 150 million views across all social platforms, firmly planting arm-wrestling in the mainstream sports conversation.
Co-founder of the league, Parvinn Dabass called the success a game-changer. “This incredible reach proves arm-wrestling isn’t just a niche sport anymore. Our vision was to give this traditional Indian sport a professional platform, and the response has gone beyond our wildest expectations. Now, we’re eyeing global expansion with international participants for Season 3.” Dabass added.
Preeti Jhangiani, president of the people’s arm-wrestling federation India (pafi) and co-founder, added, “The overwhelming response from fans and athletes alike shows how deeply the sport resonates across the country. We are proud to take this passion and discipline to international heights while upholding the highest standards.”
As the buzz around season 2 continues, all eyes are now on the upcoming third season, with dates and venue to be revealed soon. The league is clearly not just building champions, it’s building a global stage.
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.
