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Star India to broadcast Pro Kabaddi League in 5 languages across 8 channels
MUMBAI: Pro Kabaddi League season 2 has just got bigger. Star India, the official broadcaster of the league will telecast the sport in five languages across eight channels. With this, Star India aims to take the traditional Indian sport closer to fans across the country. The language feed is in sync with Star’s effort to nurture and grow the sport, which witnessed spectacular success in its inaugural season.
The second season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, which kicks off on 18 July 2015, will be telecast in English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Marathi across the Star network. The English feed will be carried by Star Sports 2 and Star Sports HD2, the Hindi feed by Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD3 and Star Gold. Recently acquired Maa Movies will broadcast the Telugu-language feed while one can enjoy Kabaddi in Kannada on Suvarna Plus. Star Pravah will broadcast Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League matches in Marathi on Sundays only.
Star India spokesperson said, “Season one of the Star Sports PKL saw us successfully establish Kabaddi in the mainstream, breaking it out of its hinterland niche and transforming it into a sport enjoyed just as much by an urban audience. We want to build on this success in the second season and broaden Kabaddi’s appeal even further by taking it closer to fans in different parts of the country. This move is further sign of our commitment to the growth of Kabaddi and our broader goal of fostering a multi-sport culture in India.”
Built along the lines of a franchise model featuring eight teams from all corners of the country, Pro Kabaddi League enjoyed a phenomenally successful inaugural season last year. The League, which repackaged Kabaddi into a modern sport, produced modern heroes, created new team affiliations and was watched by over 435 million viewers nationwide. That made it the second most watched sport in the country, with the season-finale alone recording a reach of 86.4 million. It witnessed meteoric rise across social media, recording a whopping 2.3 billion plus impressions.
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.
