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Category: Sports

  • Lodha inspires clean-up across Indian sports

    Lodha inspires clean-up across Indian sports

    MUMBAI: To oversee the functioning of BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the apex court of India will today pronounce the names of officials to be appointed as administrators on the board.

    Among other steps, the Lodha committee had sought disqualification of BCCI office-bearers who were not Indian citizens, and those who hold office in a sports or athletic association or federation apart from cricket, and those declared insolvent and administrators charged with a crime.

    Meantime, in a separate development, the Supreme Court postponed hearing on BCCI’s review plea against Lodha reforms.

    Also, in a petition filed by 28 sportspersons from different games, the top court, headed by the chief justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, wrote to the central government seeking its views about forming a Justice Lodha-like panel so as to look into alleged irregularities in other sports across India. The bench also issued notices to the various sports federations.

    Sportspersons had sought Lodha-like reforms, from ejecting 70-year-old officials from heading sports federations to disqualifying bureaucrats and ministers on sports bodies.

    To ensure that the national sports federations operated transparently, the government should be directed to incorporate within the national sports code recommendations made by the Lodha panel, the plea sought.

  • Lodha inspires clean-up across Indian sports

    Lodha inspires clean-up across Indian sports

    MUMBAI: To oversee the functioning of BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the apex court of India will today pronounce the names of officials to be appointed as administrators on the board.

    Among other steps, the Lodha committee had sought disqualification of BCCI office-bearers who were not Indian citizens, and those who hold office in a sports or athletic association or federation apart from cricket, and those declared insolvent and administrators charged with a crime.

    Meantime, in a separate development, the Supreme Court postponed hearing on BCCI’s review plea against Lodha reforms.

    Also, in a petition filed by 28 sportspersons from different games, the top court, headed by the chief justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, wrote to the central government seeking its views about forming a Justice Lodha-like panel so as to look into alleged irregularities in other sports across India. The bench also issued notices to the various sports federations.

    Sportspersons had sought Lodha-like reforms, from ejecting 70-year-old officials from heading sports federations to disqualifying bureaucrats and ministers on sports bodies.

    To ensure that the national sports federations operated transparently, the government should be directed to incorporate within the national sports code recommendations made by the Lodha panel, the plea sought.

  • Alibaba starts Olympic run with a multi-billion $ sponsorship deal

    Alibaba starts Olympic run with a multi-billion $ sponsorship deal

    NEW DELHI: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group yesterday started its Olympic run by signing a multi-billion dollar multi-year deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become the official `Cloud Services’ and `E-commerce Platform Services’ partner, as well as a Founding Partner of the Olympic Channel, according to an announcement by both the organisations.

    The Olympic Partner (TOP) sponsorship deal running through 2028 and announced at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which according to some media reports further burnished Chinese credentials in the global economy, has Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) joining 12 other companies, including Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, as top Olympic sponsors.

    Though no financial details were disclosed, a Reuters report from Davos separately stated IOC sources had previously told the news agency that major sponsors pay about $100 million per four-year cycle, which includes one summer and one winter games.

    According to a statement put out by IOC on its website, the partnership was announced at Davos in the presence of IOC president Thomas Bach, Alibaba Group founder and Executive Chairman Jack Ma and Alibaba Group Chief Executive Officer Daniel Zhang.

    Commenting on the partnership, Bach said: “In this new digital world, Alibaba is uniquely positioned to help the IOC achieve a variety of key objectives outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020, while positively shaping the future of the Olympic Movement. This is a ground-breaking, innovative alliance and will help drive efficiencies in the organisation of the Olympic Games through 2028, whilst also supporting the global development of digital opportunities, including the Olympic Channel.”

    Through this partnership, Alibaba’s contributions to the Olympic Movement will include the following:

    — Best-in-class cloud computing infrastructure and cloud services to help the Olympic Games operate more efficiently, effectively and securely, including supporting big data analytics requirements

    — Creation of a global e-commerce platform for Olympic stakeholders to engage and connect with fans seeking official Olympic licensed products manufactured by the Olympic parties’ official licensees and selected sports products, on a worldwide basis
    — Leveraging Alibaba’s leading digital media technologies and know-how to develop and customise the Olympic Channel for a Chinese audience.

    “Alibaba’s partnership with the IOC is built on a foundation of shared values and a common vision for connecting the world and enriching people’s lives,” said Jack Ma, adding, “We are proud to support Olympic Agenda 2020, using our innovations and technologies to help evolve the Olympic Games for the digital era.” Alibaba’s Zhang described the partnership as a “game-changing digital transformation”, which will help the company in moving “another step closer” toward its goal to “serve two billion consumers” and strengthen the company’s brand by connecting more “young people to the Olympic Movement”.

    IOC’s Marketing Commission head Tsunekazu Takeda said: “We are delighted to be working in the long term with Alibaba for the benefit of the Olympic Movement. This strategic partnership underlines the global appeal of the Olympic values and opens an exciting new chapter in this digital age.”

    Alibaba is the first company to make a long-term commitment to the IOC through 2028 and the first Chinese company to commit to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. The company will support the organisers of each edition of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement around the world, according to the official statement. These rights will include advertising and promotional use of Olympic marks and imagery from the Olympic Games as well as marks from the National Olympic Committees.

    Alibaba’s global activation rights will include the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic and Olympic Winter Games in 2024, 2026 and 2028 in cities yet to be selected by the IOC.

  • Alibaba starts Olympic run with a multi-billion $ sponsorship deal

    Alibaba starts Olympic run with a multi-billion $ sponsorship deal

    NEW DELHI: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group yesterday started its Olympic run by signing a multi-billion dollar multi-year deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become the official `Cloud Services’ and `E-commerce Platform Services’ partner, as well as a Founding Partner of the Olympic Channel, according to an announcement by both the organisations.

    The Olympic Partner (TOP) sponsorship deal running through 2028 and announced at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which according to some media reports further burnished Chinese credentials in the global economy, has Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) joining 12 other companies, including Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, as top Olympic sponsors.

    Though no financial details were disclosed, a Reuters report from Davos separately stated IOC sources had previously told the news agency that major sponsors pay about $100 million per four-year cycle, which includes one summer and one winter games.

    According to a statement put out by IOC on its website, the partnership was announced at Davos in the presence of IOC president Thomas Bach, Alibaba Group founder and Executive Chairman Jack Ma and Alibaba Group Chief Executive Officer Daniel Zhang.

    Commenting on the partnership, Bach said: “In this new digital world, Alibaba is uniquely positioned to help the IOC achieve a variety of key objectives outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020, while positively shaping the future of the Olympic Movement. This is a ground-breaking, innovative alliance and will help drive efficiencies in the organisation of the Olympic Games through 2028, whilst also supporting the global development of digital opportunities, including the Olympic Channel.”

    Through this partnership, Alibaba’s contributions to the Olympic Movement will include the following:

    — Best-in-class cloud computing infrastructure and cloud services to help the Olympic Games operate more efficiently, effectively and securely, including supporting big data analytics requirements

    — Creation of a global e-commerce platform for Olympic stakeholders to engage and connect with fans seeking official Olympic licensed products manufactured by the Olympic parties’ official licensees and selected sports products, on a worldwide basis
    — Leveraging Alibaba’s leading digital media technologies and know-how to develop and customise the Olympic Channel for a Chinese audience.

    “Alibaba’s partnership with the IOC is built on a foundation of shared values and a common vision for connecting the world and enriching people’s lives,” said Jack Ma, adding, “We are proud to support Olympic Agenda 2020, using our innovations and technologies to help evolve the Olympic Games for the digital era.” Alibaba’s Zhang described the partnership as a “game-changing digital transformation”, which will help the company in moving “another step closer” toward its goal to “serve two billion consumers” and strengthen the company’s brand by connecting more “young people to the Olympic Movement”.

    IOC’s Marketing Commission head Tsunekazu Takeda said: “We are delighted to be working in the long term with Alibaba for the benefit of the Olympic Movement. This strategic partnership underlines the global appeal of the Olympic values and opens an exciting new chapter in this digital age.”

    Alibaba is the first company to make a long-term commitment to the IOC through 2028 and the first Chinese company to commit to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. The company will support the organisers of each edition of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement around the world, according to the official statement. These rights will include advertising and promotional use of Olympic marks and imagery from the Olympic Games as well as marks from the National Olympic Committees.

    Alibaba’s global activation rights will include the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic and Olympic Winter Games in 2024, 2026 and 2028 in cities yet to be selected by the IOC.

  • Sony Pictures-Ten Sports deal cleared by CCI

    Sony Pictures-Ten Sports deal cleared by CCI

    MUMBAI: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) yesterday tweeted its approval to the proposed acquisition of the sports broadcasting business of Ten Sports by Sony Pictures Networks India. Acquisitions beyond a threshold need approval from CCI, which keeps a check on business practices across sectors.

    In August-end 2016, ZEEL had informed the BSE about the approval by its board of directors for the proposed sale and transfer of Zee’s sports broadcasting business to Sony Pictures Networks in an all-cash deal worth US$385 million. SPNI CEO NP Singh had then said that the acquisition of Ten Sports Network would strengthen SPN’s offering for viewers of cricket, football and fight sports, complementing their existing portfolio of international and domestic sporting properties.

    Ten Sports network is currently held by two subsidiaries of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL)—Taj Television Ltd, Mauritius, and Taj Television (India) Pvt. Ltd. Sony Pictures Networks India is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, which owns and operates the Sony Entertainment network of channels.

    Ten Sports channels being acquired are — Ten  Cricket, Ten Sports, Ten 1, Ten 1 HD, Ten 2, Ten 3, Ten Golf HD which operate in many countries including the Indian sub-continent, Hong Kong, Maldives, Singapore, the Middle East and the Caribbeans.

    Also Read:

    Sony Networks looking to change face of Indian football in ’17

    Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    Sony Pictures to acquire Ten Sports from Zee

  • Sony Pictures-Ten Sports deal cleared by CCI

    Sony Pictures-Ten Sports deal cleared by CCI

    MUMBAI: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) yesterday tweeted its approval to the proposed acquisition of the sports broadcasting business of Ten Sports by Sony Pictures Networks India. Acquisitions beyond a threshold need approval from CCI, which keeps a check on business practices across sectors.

    In August-end 2016, ZEEL had informed the BSE about the approval by its board of directors for the proposed sale and transfer of Zee’s sports broadcasting business to Sony Pictures Networks in an all-cash deal worth US$385 million. SPNI CEO NP Singh had then said that the acquisition of Ten Sports Network would strengthen SPN’s offering for viewers of cricket, football and fight sports, complementing their existing portfolio of international and domestic sporting properties.

    Ten Sports network is currently held by two subsidiaries of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL)—Taj Television Ltd, Mauritius, and Taj Television (India) Pvt. Ltd. Sony Pictures Networks India is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, which owns and operates the Sony Entertainment network of channels.

    Ten Sports channels being acquired are — Ten  Cricket, Ten Sports, Ten 1, Ten 1 HD, Ten 2, Ten 3, Ten Golf HD which operate in many countries including the Indian sub-continent, Hong Kong, Maldives, Singapore, the Middle East and the Caribbeans.

    Also Read:

    Sony Networks looking to change face of Indian football in ’17

    Sony to add 10 channels in 2017

    Sony Pictures to acquire Ten Sports from Zee

  • IOA suspension revoked following Kalmadi, Chautala’s removal

    IOA suspension revoked following Kalmadi, Chautala’s removal

    NEW DELHI: Following the “corrective action in reversing the decisions with regard to Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala,” the suspension of the Indian Olympic Committee by the Government has been revoked. Chautala and Kalmadi had been made life presidents of IOA but the decision was reversed in view of widespread criticism.

    Youth and sports minister Vijay Goel said: ”Since IOA has admitted the faux pas, and regretted the inconvenience and embarrassment caused to all concerned, it is expected of IOA that it will uphold the highest standard of probity and ethics in its functioning in future.”

    In the light of the above developments and keeping in view the larger interest of promotion and development of sports in the country, Goel has revoked the suspension of deemed recognition of IOA imposed on 30 December 2016 with immediate effect.

    Also Read:

    IOA reverses decision on Kalmadi, Chautala; Goel happy

  • IOA suspension revoked following Kalmadi, Chautala’s removal

    IOA suspension revoked following Kalmadi, Chautala’s removal

    NEW DELHI: Following the “corrective action in reversing the decisions with regard to Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala,” the suspension of the Indian Olympic Committee by the Government has been revoked. Chautala and Kalmadi had been made life presidents of IOA but the decision was reversed in view of widespread criticism.

    Youth and sports minister Vijay Goel said: ”Since IOA has admitted the faux pas, and regretted the inconvenience and embarrassment caused to all concerned, it is expected of IOA that it will uphold the highest standard of probity and ethics in its functioning in future.”

    In the light of the above developments and keeping in view the larger interest of promotion and development of sports in the country, Goel has revoked the suspension of deemed recognition of IOA imposed on 30 December 2016 with immediate effect.

    Also Read:

    IOA reverses decision on Kalmadi, Chautala; Goel happy

  • IOA reverses decision on Kalmadi, Chautala; Goel happy

    IOA reverses decision on Kalmadi, Chautala; Goel happy

    NEW DELHI: Youth affairs and sports minister Vijay Goel expressed satisfaction over the decision by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of cancelling the appointment of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as lifetime presidents.

    In a statement, he said: “I am happy that IOA has reversed its decision which augurs well for governance of sports in the country.”

    “By reversing their earlier decision, which appears to have been taken in a hurried manner, IOA has complied with its own constitutional obligation and also with conditionality approved by International Olympic Committee (IOC),” he added.

    “In the renewed circumstances, we look forward to partnering with IOA in making India a sporting nation,” he added.

    IOA President N Ramachandran, in reply to a show cause notice from the ministry, has clarified that the decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala does not stand owing to technicalities.

    The appointment of Kalmadi and Chautala has been declared “null and void” in order to not just get the recognition from ministry but also to avoid any possible action from the IOC.

    Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chennai on 27 December 2016, but the Olympic body was forced to reverse its decision after it was opposed by a majority of IOA members.

    Also Read

    TV helped make cricket a religion, says Ganguly

    Sports TV 2016: Digital explosion, player consolidation & confusion

  • IOA reverses decision on Kalmadi, Chautala; Goel happy

    IOA reverses decision on Kalmadi, Chautala; Goel happy

    NEW DELHI: Youth affairs and sports minister Vijay Goel expressed satisfaction over the decision by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of cancelling the appointment of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as lifetime presidents.

    In a statement, he said: “I am happy that IOA has reversed its decision which augurs well for governance of sports in the country.”

    “By reversing their earlier decision, which appears to have been taken in a hurried manner, IOA has complied with its own constitutional obligation and also with conditionality approved by International Olympic Committee (IOC),” he added.

    “In the renewed circumstances, we look forward to partnering with IOA in making India a sporting nation,” he added.

    IOA President N Ramachandran, in reply to a show cause notice from the ministry, has clarified that the decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala does not stand owing to technicalities.

    The appointment of Kalmadi and Chautala has been declared “null and void” in order to not just get the recognition from ministry but also to avoid any possible action from the IOC.

    Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chennai on 27 December 2016, but the Olympic body was forced to reverse its decision after it was opposed by a majority of IOA members.

    Also Read

    TV helped make cricket a religion, says Ganguly

    Sports TV 2016: Digital explosion, player consolidation & confusion