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Punit Balan Group appoints Anjum Tanwar as CEO of their sports vertical
Mumbai: Punit Balan Group (PBG) has announced the appointment of Anjum Tanwar as the new chief executive officer of their sports vertical as the Pune-based organisation looks to expand their footprint across various sports disciplines and support upcoming talent across the country.
Before joining the Punit Balan Group, Tanwar held the position of executive vice president at the Connect Network. He has initiated and delivered sustained results and effective change for organisations across a wide range of industries for more than 16 years. Tanwar brings in a diverse experience in the television industry, print, radio, experiential marketing and & OOH.
Tanwar has also worked with top media organisations such as Zee Network, Star Sports, Star Plus, Radio Mirchi, Times of India, Dentsu India communication during his nearly two-decade journey as seasoned professional.
Speaking about the appointment of Tanwar, PBG MD and chairman Punit Balan said, “The Punit Balan Group has been committed to the development of the sports ecosystem and supporting upcoming sports persons achieve their dreams. We have been expanding rather rapidly and, in Anjum Tanwar, have found a leader who can take our various initiatives to greater heights thanks to his experience in diverse fields.”
In this role, Anjum Tanwar will now be looking after the day-to-day operations of PBG’s sports vertical and will also focus on making the group one of the most successful sports ventures in the country. He will be based in Gurugram.
“I am delighted to start this new journey with the Punit Balan Group. Sports has seen a massive growth potential with new leagues starting in various sports and Indian sportspersons now consistently performing on the world stage. The Punit Balan Group has already been supporting various initiatives and my immediate focus would be on building a strong revenue model and making the sports vertical self-sustainable,” commented Tanwar on his appointment.
The Punit Balan Group, which has diverse interests in real estate and film production with a presence in India, Spain and Dubai, has been investing heavily in sports leagues and supporting sports development thanks to the passion and vision of its chairman and managing director Punit Balan.
The Group currently owns teams in Tennis Premier League (Pune Jaguars), World Tennis League (PBG Eagles), Global Chess League (Balan Alaskan Knights), Maharashtra Premier League (Kolhapur Tuskers), Premier Handball League (Maharashtra Ironmen), Ultimate Table Tennis (Bengaluru Smashers) and Pro Panja League (Mumbai Muscles).
The Punit Balan Group also supports sports development initiatives of Maharashtra Hockey Association and Maharashtra Judo Association, runs a cricket academy along with former India international Kedar Jadhav and extends financial support to over 60 sportspersons across various sports disciplines and had also supported the inaugural Kashmir Youth Football Championships.
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.
