"South Asian representation thrives in rugby"
November 4, 2024, marked a historic evening for rugby as the inaugural British Asian Rugby Awards were held.
Hosted by the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA), the event was held at the Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster.
The landmark event recognised the significant contributions of British South Asian communities to rugby, marking a new chapter in the sport’s journey toward greater inclusivity and representation.
The British Asian Rugby Awards were established to inspire engagement and highlight role models within the sport.
It saw over 100 people in attendance, including ex-Wigan Wigan star and Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski, Huddersfield Giants Owner Ken Davy, Baroness Manzoor, Harpreet Uppal MP, Lord Evans, and Lord Scriven.
La Romantica Beds were the headline sponsor of the event.
The evening showcased rugby’s ability to unite communities and dismantle barriers.
Guests were inspired by addresses from prominent speakers, including Mr Speaker, Deputy Speaker Judith Cummins MP, and rugby stalwarts like Tony Sutton (CEO, RFL), Jatin Patel (Inclusion Director, RFU), and Phil Davies (former Wales Captain and World Rugby Director).
Dr Hanif Malik OBE hosted the event with exceptional energy, ensuring an evening filled with inspiration, reflection, and celebration.
In addition to the celebration, the British Asian Rugby Awards emphasised the need for systemic change.
The speakers noted that representation matters but purposeful progress requires dismantling barriers and fostering leadership that drives genuine inclusivity.
BARA’s founder Dr Ikram Butt, the first British South Asian to represent England in rugby, said:
“This milestone moment not only recognises the achievements of South Asians in rugby but also underscores the power of sport to unite communities and challenge societal divides.
“Hosting this event in Parliament demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and the growing acknowledgement of representation in sport.
“As BARA approaches its 20th anniversary next year, this inaugural awards evening lays the foundation for continued progress, ensuring South Asian representation thrives in rugby for generations to come.”
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth, praised BARA’s efforts in her message of support:
“Like all sport, rugby has the power to change lives and bring communities closer together.”
“I’d like to pay tribute to all those honoured tonight and to the British Asian Rugby Association for their fantastic work promoting diversity and representation across both codes.”
The Winners of the British Asian Rugby Awards
Rising Star Award
Nimrah Gul (Halifax Panthers)
Outstanding Talent Award
Hamza Butt (Wigan Warriors)
Excellence in Schools Awards
Parkinson Lane Primary
Olive Tree Primary
Inclusion Awards
Manjinder Nagra
Beena Chadha
Grassroots Excellence Awards
Mick Johal
Humayun Islam BEM
Professional Club Awards
Huddersfield Giants
Bradford Bulls
Coach of Excellence Award
Navneet Sembi
Community Excellence Award
Zeinab Drabu
Starr Zaman
International Excellence Award
Nasser Hussain
The event also inducted six individuals into the BARA Hall of Fame, acknowledging their impact on rugby and their communities:
- Jaswant Chatha
- Mandip Sehmi
- Manjinder Nagra
- Jagmohan Johal
- Junaid Malik
- Syed Ali
- Manminder Singh Samra
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and President of the Rugby Football League, said:
“Ikram’s efforts have paved the way for a more inclusive future, ensuring that rugby reflects the diversity of our communities.
“As BARA approaches its 20th anniversary, I wish them continued success in breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity.”
The British Asian Rugby Awards are more than an annual event – they are a call to action for greater representation and equity in sport.
Check out all the amazing photos of the British Asian Rugby Awards in our special gallery:
Loading ...