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Scrum meets screen as Sportz Interactive powers Rugby Premier League
MUMBAI: When it comes to scoring off the field, Sportz Interactive is now the prop powering Indian rugby’s digital game. In a game-changing alliance, Sportz Interactive (SI) has partnered with the newly launched Rugby Premier League (RPL), supported by GMR Sports, to design and drive the league’s entire digital presence from the first whistle to the final try.
The engagement sees SI developing and managing the official RPL website now the central hub for fixtures, squad updates, and stories as well as launching its social media channels to build a strong, steady fanbase from the get-go. The agency also rolled out a suite of creative launch assets and a phased content strategy to keep rugby conversations buzzing long after match day.
To mark major moments like franchise unveils, player auctions, and squad reveals, SI created high-impact visuals and behind-the-scenes content, including exclusive interviews with RPL heavyweights like Rugby India president Rahul Bose and GMR Sports CEO, Satyam Trivedi.
The collaboration also takes the reins on RPL’s flagship fan campaign, #RugRugMeinRugby, weaving it across platforms through custom content buckets, quirky formats, and platform-specific storytelling that’s equal parts entertaining and educational. From strategic sponsor activations to creative brand partnerships, SI is also helping bring the business side of rugby into sharper play.
“Rugby is stepping into an exciting new era in India,” said Sportz Interactive SVP for Teams Chintan Shah. “This is more than a league, it’s a movement. At SI, we’re excited to blend data, design, and digital storytelling to grow the game and fire up the fans.”
As the Rugby Premier League sets its sights on making rugby more mainstream in India, SI’s playbook is simple: create buzz, build community, and make every scroll, swipe, and click feel like a try well scored.
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.
