BLS International signs definitive agreement to acquire 51% stake in SLW Media, a Prominent Sports Management Firm

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Aug 30: BLS International, a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens and a global leader in visa processing and consular services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 51% stake in SLW Media, for a value of Rs. 80.24 lakhs. SLW Media is a prominent sports management company with over two decades of experience in the golf industry.

The acquisition aligns perfectly with BLS International's extensive global presence, allowing for seamless integration of golf events with its visa and travel services across over 66 countries.

This strategic move not only taps into the rapidly growing sports and leisure sector but also positions BLS International for significant expansion, diversification, and global reach enhancement. This synergy will also enhance the brand equity of the company at a global scale.

By combining golf event management with its existing expertise in visas, travel, and hospitality, BLS International is creating a one-stop solution for luxury experiences that cater to high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), corporate clients, and government officials.

Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, said, "By integrating BLS International’s unparalleled proficiency in managing vast customer networks with SLW Media’s profound expertise in global sports events, we are driving a transformative leap in our brand equity. This partnership acts as a powerful vehicle to elevate our global presence and position us strategically on the world stage. Our unified approach underscores our dedication to innovation and excellence, setting a new benchmark for success in international markets."

A spokesperson from SLW Media said, "We are excited to join forces with BLS International; our vision perfectly aligns with each other. Our deep-rooted expertise in the golf industry and sports management and BLS International's global reach will lead to the creation of a powerhouse in the sports and leisure sector. With this association, we look forward to expanding our services, reaching new markets, and offering better experiences to sports enthusiasts."

As BLS International continues to expand its service offerings, this acquisition represents a significant step towards becoming a comprehensive, global leader in both government services and luxury experiences.

BLS International Services Ltd. is a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, having an impeccable reputation for setting benchmarks in the domain of visa, passports, consular, citizen, e-governance, attestation, biometric, e-visa and retail services since 2005.

The company is recognized as “India’s Most Valuable Companies” by Business Today Magazine, “Best under a Billion’ Company” by Forbes Asia, and ranked among “Fortune India’s Next 500 companies”. The company works with over 46 client governments, including Diplomatic Missions, Embassies and consulates, and leverages technology and processes that ensure data security.

The Company now has an extensive network of more than 50,000+ centres globally, with a robust strength of over 60,000+ employees and associates that provide consular, biometrics, and citizen services. BLS has processed over 232 million applications to date globally.

BLS International is certified with as CMMI DEV ML5 V2.0 & SVC ML5 V2.0, ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems, and more.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Elected Unopposed As Next ICC Chairman

MUMBAI, Aug 27: Jay Shah, the current honorary secretary of the BCCI, has been elected unopposed as the Independent Chair of the ICC, and will assume his position on 1 December, 2024.

On August 20, it was announced that current ICC Chair Greg Barclay would not seek a third term and would step down at the conclusion of his tenure in November.

Shah, who was the sole nominee for the chairmanship, emphasised his commitment to expanding the global reach and popularity of cricket, especially with its upcoming inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics.

“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated.

“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.”

“While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”

For the unversed, Shah is also the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). However, he will now have to resign from that post before taking over the world cricket body.

Neeraj Chopra Bags 2nd spot at Diamond League

LAUSANNE, Aug 23: For Neeraj Chopra, impossible is nothing except for breaching the elusive 90m mark, it seems. In a fortnight, Neeraj broke his season best thrice and yet fell agonisingly short of the magical distance. But, for now, we won't focus on that; rather, we shouldn't. Simply because of the exceptional comeback - perhaps the best in his decorated career - Neeraj showcased in the Lausanne Diamond League 2024 on Thursday.

The two-time Olympic medalist javelin thrower stole the second spot from Julian Weber of Germany and came tantalisingly close to toppling Granada's Anderson Peters from the top spot with a monster 89.49m throw in his final attempt. It was four centimetres more than the throw that earned him the silver medal at the Paris Olympics exactly a couple of weeks ago.

On Thursday, in Lausanne, it earned him the second spot behind Two-time world champion and Paris Olympics bronze medallist Anderson Peters, who broke Keshorn Walcott's nine-year-old meeting record (90.16m) in his last attempt with an immaculate throw of 90.61m.

Peters never lost the top spot in the Luasanne men's javelin event. Right from the onset, he took the lead and improved it with each throw. It wasn't the same for India's Neeraj. The legendary Indian athlete was in fact, in danger of missing a top-three finish.

The 26-year-old Chopra was in the fourth spot till the fourth round before sending his spear to 85.58m in his fifth attempt to storm past Artur Felfner of Ukraine and take the third spot, which also sent him in the final round along with Webber and Peters.

The Paris Olympics silver medalist was the last to throw based on the standings and he needed something special to improve his standing. And he did.

Neeraj screamed as soon as the javelin left his hand, ignoring his tumble near the white line in an acute similarity to the throw that gave him gold in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. The javelin flew ever so close to the 90m mark and settled in at 89.49m - Neeraj's season-best and enough to give him the second spot in the Lausanne Diamond League.

Vinesh Phogat's Medal Appeal Gets Rejected

PARIS, Aug 14: In a massive heart-break for India, Vinesh Phogat's petition for a joint Olympic silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

Vinesh had entered the final of the women's 50kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024 after some great bouts, which included win against Japanese world champions Yui Susaki.
However, on the morning of her final, Vinesh was found to be 100 gram overweight than the permissible limit, and hence she was disqualified.

After the CAS's verdict on Wednesday, which said, "The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed", the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reacted in a strong way saying they were exploring all possible options.

IOA president PT Usha has expressed her shock and disappointment. "The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh's application to be awarded a shared silver medal women's 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large," the IOA said in a statement.

"The marginal discrepancy of a 100 grams and the resultant consequences has profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh's career but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation.

"The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator."

The IOA called for a change in the rule to take into account player's well-being. It added that further legal options were being explored.

"The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being," the IOA said.

"In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh's case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times.

"We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public."

Decision on Vinesh's silver medal plea postponed again, August 16 new deadline

PARIS, Aug 13: The wait continues for Vinesh Phogat and the rest of the country as the deadline for the announcement of Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) ad hoc division's verdict has been further postponed to August 16.

While it was earlier announced that the verdict will be made public at 9.30pm IST on August 14, it has now been pushed back two days. This is the second time that the announcement has been delayed.

Having heard both sides of the argument last Friday after Vinesh appealed against her disqualification from the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final, CAS was expected to announce its verdict on the matter on Saturday. However, CAS extended the deadline until Tuesday at 9:30 pm IST.

Vinesh took the wrestling world by storm last Tuesday when she beat then-defending champion and world no. 1 Yusi Susaki of Japan in her opener. Trailing 0-2 and with less than 40 seconds to go, Vinesh pulled off an absolute stunner to seal a 3-2 victory, subsequently leaving her in tears.

Just a year ago, she was in New Delhi protesting against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh, and now she had sealed a win against a wrestling royalty. She then defeated Ukraine's Oksana Liyach in the quarter-finals, followed by an easy win against Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman in the semis to become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.

However, she was disqualified from the gold-medal bout against eventual winner Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States as she was found 100 grams above the prescribed limit in the customary morning weigh-in. Devasted by the cruel turn of fate and having suffered from dehydration, after taking extreme measures to cut down the three kilos of weight gained through the course of her three bouts on Tuesday, Vinesh lost consciousness and was admitted to a polyclinic inside the Games village.

Upon recovery, she appealed to the CAS, demanding a joint silver medal alongside Guzman Lopez, who replaced her for the final bout following the disqualification. The CAS has postponed their verdict to August 13, and if it's in Phogat's favour, then India's Paris 2024 medal tally will increase to seven. Phogat has two World C'ships bronze medals, three golds in CWG and also multiple medals in Asian Games and Asian C'ships to her name.

USA edge past China to claim top spot in Paris Olympics medal tally; India finish 71st at the Games

PARIS, Aug 11: After two weeks of thrilling competition that saw over 10,000 athletes from around the globe vying for glory across 32 sports, the United States emerged as the top nation on the medal table at the Paris Olympics. However, their triumph was not without its share of drama.

Heading into the final day of the Games, the US trailed China by a single gold medal, with China sitting atop the standings at 39 golds to the Americans’ 38. The stage was set for a nail-biting finish, with the outcome of several key events poised to determine the ultimate winner.

Li Wenwen delivered for China by securing gold in the women’s +81kg weightlifting event, adding a 40th gold for her country.

The US had a glimmer of hope in the form of cyclist Jennifer Valente, the reigning Olympic champion in the omnium. Valente stepped up under pressure, winning gold and narrowing the gap, leaving the US just one gold medal behind China as the Games approached their final event – women’s basketball.

The United States, heavy favourites in women’s basketball – a discipline they have dominated since 1996 – entered the arena with the weight of history on their shoulders. In a dramatic final against hosts France, USA prevailed 67-66 to win an unprecedented eighth successive gold medal.

The gold in women's basketball took USA level on the number of gold with China, but USA finished on top as they had more silver medals to their name. While the USA clinched 44 silver medals, China won 27.

Hosts France finished fifth in the medal tally with 16 golds and 63 medals overall.

India, meanwhile, ended their Olympic campaign on Saturday after wrestler Reetika Hooda, the last remaining athlete from the Indian contingent, bowed out in the quarterfinals.

India finished 71st at the Paris Olympics with a silver and five bronze; however, hopes remain alive for another silver medal to be added to India's tally, with CAS' decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal awaited. Vinesh was disqualified ahead of the gold medal bout in women's 50kg freestyle wrestling due to being found overweight by a mere 100 grams.

If the verdict is announced in favour of Vinesh, India will climb to the 68th spot in the medal tally. It will also level its overall number of medals from the previous Olympics in Tokyo, albeit with a gold.

Suspense Over Vinesh Phogat's Appeal For Olympic Silver Medal Continues, New CAS Verdict Date Is Aug 13

PARIS, Aug 10: The suspense of Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal for Olympic silver continues. Earlier, it was said that the verdict would come by Saturday, 9:30 PM IST. It has now been deferred.

In a chaotic turn of events on Satturday, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) first stated that the verdict will be out on Sunday (August 11) before issuing a clarification to say that the outcome will be known by August 13.

Vinesh Phogat had appealed in the CAS against her disqualification from the women's 50kg free-style final of the Olympic Games for being 100 gram overweight.

An initial statement by the IOA said: "The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time till 6-00 p.m. on August 11, 2024, for the Sole Abritator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee to issue a decision. The reasoned order will be issued at a later date."

Later, the CAS released a fresh statement saying the time limit for the panel to give a verdict was August 13. "By Application of Article 18, of the CAS Arbitration rules for the Olympic Games, the president of the CAS Ad Hoc Division extends the time limit for the panel to give a decision until 13 August 2024 at 18h00 (Paris Time)," the CAS said in a release.

Then the IOA also issued a fresh statement. saying: "The ad-hoc division of CAS has extended time for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee matter to give a decision till 6-00 p.m. on August 13, 2024.

"The reference to August 11 in the earlier communication sent by me was to the time given to all parties to present any additional documents before the Sole Arbitrator."

Aman Sehrawat clinches bronze

PARIS, Aug 9: Aman Sehrawat produced a brilliant performance on Friday to clinch India's first wrestling medal at the Paris Olympics. Sehrawat defeated Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 in the men's freestyle 57kg match to secure India's sixth medal at the ongoing Games.

Toi Cruz took the first point in a tight bronze medal match after forcing Sehrawat out of the playing area. However, Sehrawat then made a swift comeback to gain two points after he locked his opponent's leg and flipped him. The two then took two more points each, both flipping the other in swift exchange as the Indian led 4-3 at the thirty-second break.

Aman made an excellent start to the second half, immediately locking Toi Cruz to gain a three-point advantage. With nearly two minutes remaining, the Puerto Rican required medical attention with some discomfort shortly after Aman took another two technical points. This clearly affected him as he looked to defend despite trailing in the game.

The Indian wrestler took the advantage, gaining two more technical points to lead 10-5, and soon extended his lead to seven points. The mid-bout injury continued to trouble Toi Cruz as the Indian eventually secured a 13-5 win.

Sehrawat was India's only male wrestler in the Paris Olympics. He became the sixth male wrestler from the country to clinch an Olympic medal after KD Jadhav (bronze in 1952 Helsinki), Sushil Kumar (bronze in Beijing 2008 and silver in London 2012), Yogeshwar Dutt (bronze in London 2012), Ravi Dahiya (silver in Tokyo 2020), and Bajrang Punia (bronze in Tokyo 2020).

On Saturday, India's last remaining contender at the Games – Reetika Hooda – will aim to add to the medal tally when she begins her campaign in the women's freestyle 76kg event.

Furthermore, India's hopes for another medal remain alive in wrestling after Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified ahead of her gold medal bout in women's 50kg event due to being found overweight, appealed against the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The institution accepted her appeal and on Friday, confirmed that it will hear both Vinesh and United World Wrestling (UWW) before issuing the final decision before the Olympics end.

Indian Hockey Wins Olympic Bronze

PARIS, Aug 8: Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners as India beat Spain 2-1 in the men's hockey bronze medal match of Paris Olympics 2024 at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.

India thus secured back-to-back medals at the Olympics, having also won bronze in Tokyo three years back, for the first time in 52 years. The last time India won back-to-back hockey medals at Olympics was in 1968 and 1972.

Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was playing his final match for India, made some extra-ordinary saves to deny Spanish captain Marc Miralles from the penalty corners.

The Indian players mobbed Sreejesh after the full-time whistle, capping off a brilliant farewell for the 36-year-old.

Vinesh Phogat's hopes for Olympic silver medal alive after CAS accepts her protest

PARIS, Aug 8: In a big boost for the Indian contingent, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday.

The ace wrestler might clinch a silver medal if the CAS asks the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to revoke their decision.

Phogat stormed into the final after three sensational wins in the women's 50kg category and boosted India's hopes for the first gold at the 33rd Summer Games. But the organisers stunned the Indian contingent by disqualifying the wrestler hours before her final bout against the USA's Sarah Hildebrandt on Wednesday citing an overweight reason.

The IOA revealed that the 29-year-old wrestler from Haryana weighed just 100gm over her category and was denied a silver as well. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and IOA strongly protested against the disqualification and the wrestler approached the Court of Arbitration on Wednesday.

Frustrated and disappointed Phogat then shocked the sporting fraternity with her shock retirement from wrestling earlier on Thursday.

Meanwhile, India's wrestling camp suffered more blows with youngster Antim Panghal being knocked out in her first round in the women's 53kg category. Antim further fell into trouble after her sister was caught entering the athletes' village using Antim's accreditation on Wednesday. The IOA ordered Antim and her team to leave Paris early on Thursday in a major controversy for the Indian contingent.

India has struggled in the second week in Paris with just four bronze medals, all in shooting so far. Mirabai Chanu was the latest to miss out on a medal on Wednesday after she finished fourth in the women's 49kg weightlifting event. She lifted a total of 199 kg and missed the top-three finish by just one kg. India's men's hockey team clintched Bronze by defeating Spain. Neeraj Chopra featuring in the javelin final on Thursday.

Vinesh Phogat Breaks Silence After Heartbreaking Paris Olympics 2024

PARIS, Aug 7: "It's part of the game," a brave Vinesh Phogat told the Indian coaches who met her after her shock disqualification from the Paris Olympics for weighing 100g more than the permissible limit.

"It's part of the game," a brave Vinesh Phogat told the Indian coaches who met her after her shock disqualification from the Paris Olympics for weighing 100g more than the permissible limit in the women's 50kg category on Wednesday.

Women's national coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani met the feisty wrestler, who had caused a flutter at the wrestling arena by beating world number one and defending champion Yui Susaki in the opening round on Tuesday. As the nation prepared to celebrate Vinesh's medal-winning run -- she was assured of at-least a silver -- Vinesh was disqualified when she could not ace the second weigh-in.

"It sent a shockwave through the wrestling contingent. The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, 'it's hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game'," Dahiya said, sharing the details of their meeting.

"Several IOA officials were also there to meet her."

There was more bad news for Indian wrestling during the day when Antim Panghal made a first round exit in the women's 53kg, losing her opening bout by technical superiority.

"She just could not play her game, did not look in her element," said the coach.

In a shocking reversal of fortunes, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on Wednesday from the Olympics after being found overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final here, leaving her medal-less within hours of coming close to an unparalleled gold.

Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. Before this morning, she was assured of at least a silver medal but will now be coming back empty-handed due to the disqualification.

The shattered 29-year-old had to be taken to the polyclinic inside the Games village due to severe dehydration earlier in the day.

"She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified," said an Indian coach.

The Indian Olympic Association requested privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics.

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the IOA stated.

"No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," it added.

Vinesh Phogat Achieves Historic First, Assured Of At Least Silver

PARIS, Aug 6: Vinesh Phogat defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez (Cuba) 5-0 to enter Olympics 2024 women's wrestling 50kg final at the Paris Olympics 2024.

With that historic achievement, Vinesh Phogat became the first Indian woman to enter wrestling final at the Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat will play USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Olympics 2024 women's wrestling 50kg final on Wednesday.

Earlier, Vinesh Phogat stunned world no. 1 and defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16, before edging out Ukraine Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, India's 'Golden Boy' Neeraj Chopra entered the men's javelin throw final after a season best attempt of 89.34m.

10-Man Indian Hockey Team Beat Great Britain, 1 Win Away From Historic Medal

PARIS, Aug 4: India are into the semi-finals of Paris Olympics 2024 men's hockey after beating Great Britain via shoot-out at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir. India are one win away from a second successive medal at the Olympics.

They will now face either Germany or Argentina in the semi-finals.

India, who were reduced to 10-man in the 17th minute of the match, defied odds to take the lead through Harmanpreet Singh, who scored his seventh goal of the tournament.

Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute before Lee Morton equalised for Great Britain five minutes later. This came after India had a man sent-off in Amit Rohidas.

While the match ended 1-1 after full-time, India advanced to the semi-finals after winning the shoot-out 4-2.

Djokovic Beats Alcaraz, Clinches Gold Medal

PARIS, Aug 4: Serbia's Novak Djokovic clinched gold in the tennis men's singles event at the Paris Olympics 2024, as he beat Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and took revenge for the Wimbledon final loss less than a month ago.

Djokovic beat Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2), in an enthralling neck-and-neck final. Djokovic, thereby, won an Olympic gold for the first time in his career, to add to his 24 Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz missed out on a gold medal in his maiden Olympics appearance.