www.asianexpress.co.uk
October 2013 - 2nd Edition
Sport
Celebrating Asians in Football
PROUD: Wigan Athletic scout, Irfan Kawri, was awarded the ‘Inspiration’ honour
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Also successful on the night was Liverpool Academy youngster Yan Dhanda, who was the recipient of the ‘Up and Coming’ accolade. Beating off competition from Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as West Bromwich Albion, Dhanda is the first player of Indian origin to play for the Merseyside club. The 14-year-old arrived at the club's Kirkby Academy in July and thanked his family for their support, following him across the country. Upon receiving the honour he said: “Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and my aim is to take every opportunity to progress to the first team and do my family proud, they have always been there for me. “My father has only missed one game since I was about seven years old. It's down to the support of my family that I am where I am now. “These awards are really important for Asian football and it's good that so many role models are being recognised.” Also successful on the night was Wigan Athletic scout Irfan Kawri, who walked away with one of the top awards, the ‘Inspiration’ honour. Kawri’s dedication to the sport has to be admired. Not only does he put in long hours in his role scouting and writing reports on Wigan’s opponents across the country, he is also a coach and physical education teacher. The football enthusiast is also credited for his work with Liverpool FC’s medical chief Dr. Zaf Iqbal, co-ordinating PE projects. “I’m very fortunate to have this career, but I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices,” said Kawri. “I’ve been able to do it thanks to the support of my wife and parents. I started at Academy level in 2008 and now I’m doing my UEFA B coaching course at Macclesfield Football Club. “I was a trainee [footballer] at Rochdale, but that didn’t work
out and I went to university. Then I went back to the club to start my coaching career and it led to the scouting role at Wigan. It’s possible to break down barriers, but it takes determination and resilience.” The Asian Football Awards (AFA) were set up to highlight the positive impact made by Asians within the UK football industry and engage with organisations and individuals to help increase participation levels.
industry has been astonishing, but we are not just concerned with increasing Asian participation on the field. Our aim is also to help make the hierarchies of organisations that govern football more reflective of the society within which we live.” Cross Cultural Media were the Marketing and sponsorship Agency for the event, and cofounders, Simon Ogborn and Alan Williams said they were delighted to be associated with
Prestigious awards ceremony proves massive success AFA founder Baljit Rihal explains: “I can proudly say that the Asian Football Awards has already encouraged more Asians to get involved in every aspect of the game, and will continue to do so. Our vision remains to support the growth of UK Asians in football. “Since our inaugural event last year, the support from across the
the initiative. “We are proud to be so closely involved in this year’s Asian Football Awards,” they said. “An event that celebrates British Asian achievement and participation at all levels of the national game. The awards are an inspiration to all who share a passion and love of Football. Well done to all the nominees”
AFGHANISTAN QUALIFY FOR CRICKET WORLD CUP For the first time in the history of the Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan will be represented in the competition’s finals, which will be held in 2015. The national side defeated Kenya by seven wickets last week in their final qualifying match to be guaranteed a place at cricket’s most prestigious tournament. More than 1,000 fans turned up to a stadium in Kabul to watch their side on the big screen make history, before
thousands across the country spilled out onto the streets in celebration. Parts of the southern city of Kandahar ground to a halt as fans celebrated the win in public places. Afghanistan will begin the tournament with a fixture against Bangladesh in Canberra on 18th February 2015, before they face Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand. The side will then take on England in Sydney on the 13th March.
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