On 17th October 2012, an impressive line-up of British Asians from the world of sport were at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP at an event organised by the City Sikhs Network to mark London 2012 and in order to discuss how things can be improved for future generations of British Asian sportsmen and women. An audience of almost 150 people attended to hear short talks from the Paralympian wheelchair rugby player Mandip Sehmi (by web link), award-winning sports journalist Mihir Bose, female cricketer Isa Guha, and co-founder of the Asian Football Awards and football agent Baljit Rihal.
The topics of discussion ranged from racism in football to ways of increasing female participation in professional sports. Many themes were raised in the limited time that was available on the evening, and the City Sikhs Network hope to be able to revisit the subject of Asians in sport at some point in the future.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly a video message from Fauja Singh, the 101 year old marathon runner, which encouraged all people regardless of their age to take up sports in order to stay healthy.
The evening ended with a networking opportunity for audience members over drinks and canapés.
For more information about the event, please visit www.citysikhs.org.uk.
PHOTO 1 – LEFT TO RIGHT:
Jasvir Singh (City Sikhs Network), Baljit Rihal (Asian Football Awards), Mihir Bose (journalist), Isa Guha (cricketer and ITV commentator).
PHOTO 2
Fauja Singh (marathon runner).