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

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, Sept 1: 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.

Nishad Kumar Wins High Jump Silver; 3 Medals Assured In Badminton

PARIS, Sept 1: On Day 4, India's Nishad Kumar won the silver medal in Men's High Jump T47 event at Paris Paralympics 2024. Nishad, who also finished second in Tokyo three years back, registered his season best attempt of 2.04m.

Earlier, Preethi Pal scriped history after winning a bronze medal in the Women's 200m T35 final.

Shuttlers Nitesh Kumar and Suhas Yathiraj are assured to win a silver at least after entering the finals of the Men's SL3 and Men's SL4 categories, respectively.

Sukant Kadam will play for bronze after he lost the semi-final of the SL4 category to compatriot Suhas.

India's Thulasimathi Murugesan defeated Manisha Ramadass in badminton Women's Singles SU5 Semifinal. Murugesan is now assured of at least a silver, while Manisha will fight for bronze. So far, India have won seven medals.

NRAI felicitates history-making Indian Olympic shooting squad

NEW DELHI, Sept 1: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the national governing body for sport shooting, hasy felicitated members of the successful and history-making Indian Olympic shooting squad, which returned with three bronze medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics, a first for any Olympic sport for India and accounting for half the total medals won by the country.

The gala ceremony was attended by the entire squad of the Indian Shooting contingent that included the medalists Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale. The medalist’s were felicitated with cash prizes while the entire squad was felicitated with mementos by the National Rifle Association of India.

Also present on the occasion were Raja Randhir Singh, President, Olympic Council of Asia; Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State of External Affairs & Culture; Yashodhara Raje Scindia, former MP Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare, Technical Education & Skill Development & Employment; Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, Former President, Indian Olympic Association; Ajay Patel, Senior Vice President, Indian Olympic Association and Vice President NRAI; 2012 Olympics Silver medalist Vijay Kumar and Bronze Medalist Gagan Narang, Former double trap world champion Ronjan Sodhi, Arjuna Awardee and winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan amongst other prominent personalities from the world of sport.

Olympic Double medalist Manu Bhakar was awarded with a prize money of Rs 45 Lakhs, while 50M three position Bronze Medalist Swapnil Kushale received Rs 30 Lakhs and 10 M Air Pistol Mixed Team Bronze medalist Sarabjit Singh was felicitated with a cash prize of Rs 15 Lakhs.

The support staff that included Dr. Pierre Beauchamp, High Performance Director, Thomas Farnik, Foreign Rifle Coach, Munkhbyar Dorjsuren, Foreign Pistol Coach, Samresh Jung, National Pistol Coach 10M, Manoj Kumar, National Rifle Coach 50M were also felicitated with a cash prize of INR five lakhs each.

Kalikesh SinghDeo, Officiating President, NRAI said, “Our shooters and coaches and the entire support staff have done the country proud. They have proven that they are second to none in this sport, which is no mean achievement. They deserve all the accolades and awards that they are getting and we are confident that this performance will herald a new wave of Shooting talent from across India. Congratulations are also in order for the entire team at NRAI, who have worked so hard to deliver under immense pressure. The fairness of our Olympic plans, the high-performance support provided and ensuring that the best Shooter in the best form is picked for the Games, have all combined effectively in this success. You should rightly be beaming with pride. Of course, it would have never been possible without the tremendous support and guidance that we receive from the SAI, the Ministry of Sports and the from the highest echelons of the Government of India. Today we pledge not sit back on our laurels, but to strive towards bettering this performance in the future.A special thanks to Pernod Richard and all our sponsors for facilitating this event and supporting us all through.”

Sultan Singh, Secretary General, NRAI said, “I congratulate all the members of our Shooting squad for this dream performance at the Paris Games. They will inspire generations of Indian athletes to raise the bar even higher going forward. On this occasion, I would also like to thank our event sponsors Pernod Ricard and our gracious dinner host Diljeet Titus, who have been most gracious in their support towards the sport of Shooting.”