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TNA and Sony Six sign the first Indian wrestling talent Mahabali Shera
MUMBAI: Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and Sony Six together announced the signing of the first ever Indian wrestler Mahabali Shera into the global roster of TNA Wrestling. The announcement marks an investment by Six and TNA to the growth of wrestling entertainment across the Indian market.
Sony Six business head Prasana Krishnan said, ‘‘India is home to some of the most passionate wrestling fans and through our consistent offering, high quality content and market reach we will make Mahabali Shera a household hero and fuel growth and popularity for TNA.”
TNA president Dixie Carter added, “Signing Mahabali to our roster as the first Indian wrestler is a testament to TNA’s commitment to our Indian viewers and our continued focus on international brand expansion. We are confident viewers will quickly connect with him as he represents the people and nation of India throughout the world.”
The announcement comes after a yearlong search for an Indian wrestler which begun with Hall of Fame star Kurt Angle’s visit to India in 2013. Angle said, “It’s great to be back in India where TNA Wrestling is enjoyed by millions. Mahabali Shera is a great athlete who has showcased tremendous potential and skill, which strengthens my belief that he has what it takes to become a champion.”
Under Angle’s guidance, the 24-year-old, Shera will feature across TNA’s programming line-up of TNA Impact Wrestling (Monday nights) in a bid to grow the popularity of wrestling in India through local connect. Shera said, “TNA is one of the biggest wrestling entertainment organizations in the world and I am deeply thankful and thrilled to be a part of it. With the organization featuring some of the best wrestlers in their talent roster, it is a great opportunity as well as honour for me.”
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.
