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Star Sports’ new promo has Telugu fans excited for PKL Season 8
Mumbai: Star Sports Network has unveiled a new promo for the Pro Kabaddi League Season eight capitalising on the excitement and anticipation building among its Telugu fans.
The league is all set to return on 22 December. Owing to safety protocols, the entire edition of the Vivo PKL Season eight will be held at Bengaluru at a single venue, moving away from its traditional caravan format.
The latest promo- ‘Raa Chuddam’ speaks to the sports fans in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and celebrates the preparation of the home team ‘Telugu Titans’ for the upcoming season. The film features Telugu movie star Naga Chaitanya, who supports the ‘Titans’ and leads the chorus of support from fans to rally behind their team.
“I am absolutely delighted that Pro Kabaddi League is returning after two years. As a Kabaddi fan and strong supporter of Telugu Titans, we are ready to back our team as they set foot on the mat. I will be closely following all the matches and hope that the Titans perform exceptionally well and bring the trophy home,” said Naga Chaitanya.
Telugu Titans will begin their Vivo PKL Season eight campaign against Tamil Thalaivas on 22 December. The team has signed Rohit Kumar, who will also be the captain for the new season. Siddharth Desai will be the team’s vice-captain. The squad also features rising stars Rajnish and Rakesh Gowda among the raiders.
@Telugu_Titans@chay_akkineni#vivoProKabaddi
Dec 22#StarSportsTelugu pic.twitter.com/ZfTceItomX— StarSportsTelugu (@StarSportsTel) December 12, 2021
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.
