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Rohtak Royals lock in four sponsors ahead of Kabaddi Champions League bow
Haryana: Rohtak Royals are wasting no time. Days before stepping onto the mat for their first Kabaddi Champions League season, the franchise has sealed four sponsorship deals, giving the fledgling team instant commercial heft.
ixigo joins as official travel partner, John Players as official loungewear partner, Campus Activewear as official footwear partner and MuscleBlaze as official nutrition partner. The line-up reflects both the growing pull of the Kabaddi Champions League and the Royals’ intent to arrive fully formed.
Owned by Adroit Sports LLP, Rohtak Royals represent the city of Rohtak in the eight-team league’s inaugural season, which begins on January 25. The sponsorships span mobility, lifestyle, performance wear and sports nutrition—covering the team on and off the mat.
“These partnerships come at a crucial moment,” said Aishwarya Bhargava, chief operating officer, Rohtak Royals. “Each brand fits our focus on performance, professionalism and fan engagement. We are building for the long term.”
Head coach Surender Nada underlined the competitive edge. “Backing off the mat matters,” he said. “It gives players confidence and sharpens focus. Now it’s about delivering strong performances for Rohtak.”
ixigo will handle the team’s travel logistics through the season, while John Players brings a lifestyle sheen to the franchise. Campus Activewear, one of India’s largest homegrown sports and athleisure brands, steps in with footwear, and MuscleBlaze will support fitness, recovery and performance across the campaign.
The sponsorship momentum follows an earlier strategic partnership between Adroit Sports Ventures and KMC Constructions Limited, blending infrastructure expertise with a sports development vision under the banner “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Lajawaab”. Adroit Sports Ventures operates across talent identification, high-performance training, events and sports infrastructure, guided by Gajendra Sharma and led by Aishwarya Bhargava. The Rohtak Royals franchise is jointly owned by Adroit Sports Ventures and Surender Malik.
Rohtak Royals open their Kabaddi Champions League account against Karnal Kings on January 25. The season runs until February 7. Sponsors signed, fixtures set—now the raids begin.
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.
