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Royals on the mat Rohtak stakes its claim in kabaddi’s new league
MUMBAI: Kabaddi’s newest contest is shaping up to be as much about muscle as it is about method. Adroit Sports Ventures LLP has acquired the Rohtak Royals, the Haryana-based franchise set to compete in the inaugural season of the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL), planting Rohtak firmly on the national kabaddi map.
Adding weight to the move, KMC Constructions Limited has come on board as the strategic partner for the franchise, bringing together grassroots sport and large-scale infrastructure expertise in a collaboration that signals long-term ambition rather than a short-term punt.
For Rohtak and Haryana more broadly the timing feels apt. The state’s kabaddi pedigree runs deep, producing generations of players known for aggression, stamina and tactical grit. Adroit Sports Ventures says its focus is to turn that raw, village-level talent into structured, professional excellence, with clear pathways from grassroots to elite competition.
Founded with an eye on youth development, Adroit Sports Ventures operates on the philosophy of “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Lajawaab”, emphasising early talent identification, systematic training programmes and professional team management. The firm is guided by entrepreneur Gajendra Sharma, who incubates multiple start-ups across sectors, and driven operationally by Aishwarya Bhargava, with a focus on sustainable sports ecosystems rather than one-season success.
“Rohtak and Haryana have a deep-rooted kabaddi culture that has produced fearless warriors for generations,” Sharma said, outlining a vision to channel that legacy into world-class competition. The aim, he added, is to carry Haryana’s fearless DNA onto the mat and make Rohtak a name opponents remember.
The partnership with KMC Constructions adds a different kind of strength. Headquartered in Hyderabad, KMC is a seasoned player in highways, airport runways, bridges and BOT projects, with decades of experience executing large-scale infrastructure across India. For the company, the move into sport mirrors its core philosophy of building strong foundations.
“We believe in building institutions that last, whether in infrastructure or sport,” said KMC Constructions director Shashank Shekhar. The association, he noted, is about contributing to kabaddi’s growth while backing a team with regional pride at its core.
As preparations begin for the Kabaddi Champions League’s debut season, Rohtak Royals are positioning themselves not just as another new entrant, but as a franchise built on planning, patience and performance. In a league that promises high-impact action, Rohtak’s Royals are betting that solid groundwork off the mat will matter just as much as power plays on it.
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.
