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Ram Charan takes aim as brand face of Archery Premier League debut
MUMBAI: When archery meets star power, the bullseye is bound to shine brighter. The Archery Association of India (AAI) has roped in actor and global icon Ram Charan as the brand ambassador for the first-ever Archery Premier League (APL), which will debut from 2–12 October 2025 at the Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi.
The APL is a franchise-based spectacle set to feature six teams, bringing together 36 of India’s finest archers alongside 12 international sharpshooters including athletes from the world’s top 10 rankings. In a global first, recurve and compound archers will compete together under floodlights, promising a gripping format designed to dazzle fans and elevate the sport’s international profile.
For Ram Charan, the association is more than symbolic: “Archery stands for discipline, focus, and resilience values I resonate with. The APL provides Indian archers a world-class platform while drawing global attention to the sport. I’m proud to support this pioneering initiative.”
AAI President Arjun Munda called the league the realisation of a long-cherished dream: “The APL will create opportunities for young talent across India’s villages and take the sport to the next level. With Ram Charan on board, we believe archery will inspire countless new fans.”
AAI Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva underlined the league’s transformative vision: “Much like leagues in cricket or kabaddi, the APL brings professional standards, visibility, and global competitiveness to Indian archery. It’s not just a league, it’s a stepping stone towards India’s Olympic dream.”
Backed by World Archery, World Archery Asia, and India’s Sports Ministry, the league promises to be a landmark moment for Indian sport. With archers locked, stars aligned, and the countdown ticking, Delhi is set for ten days of precision, passion, and plenty of bullseyes.
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.
