Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
BRANDON KHELA became the first British South Asian footballer ever to sign professional terms at Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City, according to a report.
The Punjabi midfielder played for Birmingham's U18s last season, before establishing himself at the U23 level in Premier League 2, and turns professional after completing his first season as a scholar, Sky Sports reported.
Khela,17, played in both of England's recent U17 friendly matches against Norway and the US.
He is a second-year scholar and has been rewarded with a contract after his display of heroics in the first 12 months of the scholarship. Khela joins Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham as another exciting prospect to have emerged through Birmingham City’s academy.
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"I am delighted, over the moon, it is a dream come true. Me and my family have been working towards this since I was a kid. Everything has gone into it, I have put my heart and soul into it. I am a centre-midfielder, box-to-box I prefer to play. I can score and create and that is what I am going to try and offer this season and, hopefully, get us further up the table," he said.
Khela started playing football aged three and opted for Birmingham instead of his hometown club Coventry City. He has since played in every age-group side.
According to the report, Khela is comfortable playing anywhere across the middle of the pitch and is currently training with the first-team squad, who depart on pre-season tour next week.
"This is huge. It's a landmark moment for all Birmingham City fans, particularly those from a South Asian heritage background. I've supported Blues for over 60 years and have waited a very long time to see a South Asian kid wear the Royal Blue shirt," said Micky Singh, chair of Official Birmingham City Supporters' Group Blues 4 All.
"It will be a momentous occasion across the entire city of Birmingham - and beyond - the day Brandon makes his debut for the first team. And from a representation perspective, watching him perform on the pitch will give hope to many aspiring youngsters that want to follow the path into professional football."
Besides Khela, Birmingham City also rewarded professional contracts to six second-year scholars for their progress. The other players to receive the contract are Alfie Brooks, Rico Browne, Tommy Fogarty, Rico Patterson, Callum Sullivan and Kieran Wakefield.
The Britain Meets India 2024 report said 667 British companies are already operating in India, generating £47.5 billion in revenue and employing over 516,000 people. (Representational image: iStock)
UK BUSINESSES are increasing their focus on India as a key market following the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to Grant Thornton’s latest International Business Report (IBR).
The report found that 72 per cent of UK firms now see India as a major international growth market, up from 61 per cent last year.
While only 28 per cent currently operate in India, 73 per cent of those without a presence plan to enter the market, including 13 per cent within the next year.
The Britain Meets India 2024 report said 667 British companies are already operating in India, generating £47.5 billion in revenue and employing over 516,000 people.
Among Indian firms, 99 per cent of those already in the UK plan to expand, while nearly 90 per cent of those not yet present intend to set up operations.
Anuj Chande, Partner and Head of South Asia Business Group at Grant Thornton UK, said: “The shift we’re seeing is clear: UK mid-market businesses are no longer asking ‘why India’ — they are asking ‘how soon’.
“With 73 per cent of firms planning to establish operations in India and over half of existing players looking to scale up within a year, this is a pivotal moment. The UK–India FTA is a game-changer, reducing entry barriers and accelerating opportunity, but it won’t remove the complexity of operating in a fragmented and dynamic market.”
Chande added that the recent UK trade delegation accompanying the Prime Minister’s visit has added to the impetus to trade and invest with India.
However, 63 per cent of UK firms cited regulation and foreign exchange controls as the main barriers to operating in India, while 38 per cent mentioned infrastructure gaps. For Indian companies, tariffs, regulation, and the UK’s fragmented regulatory system were the key concerns.
Despite the challenges, 21 per cent of UK businesses said they had no concerns about the FTA and viewed it as wholly beneficial.
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