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WKL kicked off to a glittering start
MUMBAI: Amidst the unveiling of glittering trophy, battery of stars from bollywood and political and corporate bigwigs from London, the first season of Wave World Kabaddi League one of its kind international Kabaddi League promoting Kabaddi, has started at O2 Arena, London. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dy Chief Minister, Government of Punjab, India declared the League open and unveiled the winners Trophy for the League. Eight teams from UK, USA, Canada, Pakistan and India are vying for the maiden trophy.
The evening saw Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, also the owner of Team Khalsa Warriors in the League sing his own songs. The crowd frenzy was uncontrollable when he sang – Mujhme to, tu hi tu basaa……from his movie Special Chabbis. The excitement increased when he continued to perform on the famous punjabi songs – ni tu hune hune hoi mutiyaar…. and Taare gin gin yaad ch teri…… The enthusiasm was higher as his team went ahead to win the first match against Yo Yo Tigers, owned by Rapper Honey Singh.
The entertainment continued with Sukhwinder Singh of Chak de and Chaiyaan Chaiyaan fame singing foot thumping numbers like aaja aaja Dil Nichode, Raat ki matki phode from movie Kaminey. Jimmy Shergill, Neeru Bajwa, the famous actress of Punjabi movies and Gurpeet Ghuggi, the comedian in Punjabi movies and TV programs also enthralled the audience with their performances.
The maiden set of matches played between United Singhs and Punjab Thunder & Khalsa Warriors and Yo Yo Tigers saw United Singhs winning the match against Punjab Thunder and Khalsa Warriors against Yo Yo Tigers. The other teams to start their innings today are Vancouver Lions against Lahore Lions and California Eagles against Royal Kings USA.
Wave WKL kicked off yesterday i.e. 9 August to 30 November 2014 and will see various national and international Kabaddi players in action through 8 franchisees. The league will follow the Formula 1 touring sports format and will be played across 4 continents. Wave WKL aims to become the go-to brand when it comes to sports entertainment or delivering value to its partners and sponsors. Wave WKL as a brand embodies strength, power, agility, tactic, entertainment, masculinity and aggression. It is taking an indigenous Indian sport to the world and redefining it for the Indian audience.
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.
