Dubai: A delegation from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI Dubai Chapter) recently visited the reputed NRI Businessman and founding member of the ICAI Dubai Chapter, SM Syed Khalil, at his residence in Dubai to extend their felicitations.

Led by Rajesh Kumar Somani, Chairman of the ICAI Dubai Chapter, the delegation included Secretary Rishi Chawla, Treasurer Dheeraj Ranasaria, and Executive Member Aashna Mulgaonkar.

During the visit, the delegation commended SM Syed Khalil for his dedicated service to the ICAI Dubai Chapter, where he served as Chairman for two terms between 1987 and 1994. They also acknowledged his ongoing guidance and support to the chapter's office bearers since its inception.

As a token of appreciation, the delegation presented SM Syed Khalil with a memento and expressed their gratitude for his continued support and mentorship in the future.

SM Syed Khalil, a distinguished chartered accountant, has contributed significantly to the UAE's business landscape, notably with the Galadari family for nearly three decades when he first joined as general manager of the Khaleej Times daily newspaper. His tenure includes serving as the Group Executive Director of Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari (IMG) Group from 2002 to 2011 and currently holding the position of Founding Chairman of K&K Enterprise, a general trading company based in Sharjah.

Prior to his UAE endeavors, Khalil held prominent roles with Mahindra Ugine Steel in India and served as Vice-Chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies. He also serves as the Chairman of Maadhyama Communications Ltd., and Chairman of news channel Sahil Online.

Additionally, he has established various media companies and charitable foundations in Dubai and India, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy. He is also the patron and board members of various socio, cultural and charitable organisations both in India and UAE.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.

He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.

"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.

Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.

Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.

Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.

Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.