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Tiger Shroff ignites Pro Kabaddi League in Mumbai with star-studded presence
Mumbai: The Mumbai leg of the Pro Kabaddi League commenced with a glamorous launch, featuring notable personalities like Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi. Tiger Shroff, the ambassador for Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, brought an additional dose of excitement as he graced the stadium during the recent match between U Mumba and Dabang Delhi, infusing the event with his charismatic presence.
The star of ‘Student of the Year 2,’ who portrayed a Kabaddi player in the film, fondly reminisced about his experience learning the sport for the movie. He expressed admiration for the Kabaddi players’ fitness and dedication, stating, “The dedication I witness in their fitness routines is truly inspirational. Kabaddi demands a specific level of flexibility, agility, and strength, and I can confidently say that these players have set a commendable standard. Without a doubt, we have some of the fittest men in the country playing this game.”
Shroff also emphasised the pride he feels as the brand ambassador for Kabaddi, said, “It’s truly an honor to be associated with this organization. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Pro Kabaddi League on reaching its 10th season. Managing and sustaining numerous seasons is an arduous task, and today, it’s commendable to witness the league’s endurance. I recognize Kabaddi’s impressive ascent, swiftly becoming the second most-watched sport, following cricket, in a relatively brief period”.
During his visit, the ‘Heropanti’ actor engaged in a playful segment with Dabang Delhi’s Ashu Malik and U Mumba’s Mahender Singh, where both players recited dialogues from his movies. Tiger Shroff also took the opportunity to practice some Kabaddi moves and skills, adding a touch of fun to his visit.
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.
