Despite the financial difficulties, Rasheed’s father, Shaik Balisha Vali, also a cricket-lover, left no stone unturned for Rasheed’s coaching.
Guntur :
For the first time, a cricketer from Guntur has been chosen to be a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As soon as the mini-auction of 405 players concluded in Kerala’s Kochi, the citizens rejoiced and basked in the glory of Shaik Rasheed, who made it to the player pool of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Born in Guntur on September 24, 2004, Rasheed’s claim to fame was his impressive performance in the Andhra Premiere League 2022. Perhaps, his crucial role in India winning the Under-19 World Cup and as vice-captain of the team caught attention of the CSK franchise.
Currently playing the Ranji Trophy in Tamil Nadu, the 18-year-old has been signed for a base price of Rs 20 lakh.The all-rounder also happens to be an ardent fan of MS Dhoni. Only after the team of 15 cricketers is finalised, will we know whether or not Rasheed will get to play alongside his role model.
Despite the financial difficulties, Rasheed’s father, Shaik Balisha Vali, also a cricket-lover, left no stone unturned for Rasheed’s coaching.“We are so elated that he is living his dream. When I watched him play with such zeal, I decided to support him and send him for professional training. We had no second thoughts. He also worked very hard to reach the position he is at now,” an elated Balisha expressed.
When he accompanied Rasheed for training in Hyderabad, he had to pick up odd jobs to support the family. “My son has admired Dhoni since the time he started playing gully cricket when he was just six years old. Now, getting an opportunity to play alongside him will be his dream come true,” Balisha said.
Dad picks cue, extends support Balisha Vali, was the first to identify his son’s passion. His first cue was when neighbours’ complaints against the young cricketer for shattering their windows with his ‘sixes’ had become the order of the day
Guntur celebrates As soon as news spread, Guntur lit up with joy as friends and relatives burst firecrackers and distributed sweets. Several people, following Rasheed since his nascent stage, expressed happiness and wished him luck.
source:http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Bandhavi Annam / Express News Service / December 26th, 2022
Idolising Indian medium pacer great Jhulon Goswami, Shabnam is already clocking 110 kmph speed and she aspires to touch ‘Jhulon didi’s’ pace of 125 kmph
Md. Shabnam has been selected for the India U-19 women’s team that will play five T20 matches against the New Zealand U-19 team | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
She is barely 15-years-old and she dreams of playing for the Indian women senior’s cricket team. And she is not far from her dreams, as she has just been selected to represent the country for the Women’s U-19 cricket team. She is the first from this city to get selected for the women’s U-19 team.
Meet Md. Shabnam, a budding right-arm medium pacer, who will be writing her Std. X examination in 2023.
Idolising Indian medium pacer great Jhulon Goswami, Shabnam is already clocking 110 kmph speed and she aspires to touch ‘Jhulon didi’s’ pace of 125 kmph.
Speaking to The Hindu on Monday, Shabnam said that she took to cricket at the age of eight years, after seeing her father Md. Shakeel, who was a medium pacer himself.
“I would go to local league matches and see my father bowl and it was then that I decided that I would also play cricket and make my mark as a medium pacer,” said an excited Shabnam.
With encouragement from her parents, Shabnam practises over seven hours on a daily basis and she never misses a training session.
She is a dedicated cricketer and she has all the potential to make it big, said secretary of Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association, K. Parthasarthi.
She is a tough, tall and strong girl. She is quick through the air and has a good inswinger and a surprise bouncer, said fitness coach Vanka Murali.
She has been very consistent in the last season and probably that has earned her the cap, said Mr. Parthasarathi.
Shabnam has been selected to play for India U-19 in five T 20 matches against the visiting New Zealand U-19 team.
The series is set to start from November 27 and she will be reporting at Mumbai on November 24.
Speaking about her idols in cricket, she said, “In the women’s cricket world my idol is Jhulon didi and on the men’s side it is Jasprit Bumrah.”
Thanking The Hindu for playing a key role in her career, Shabnam said that she was part of every The Hindu-VDCA summer coaching camp for the last few years.
I practise for three hours in the morning and another three hours in the evening, followed by about a one-and-half-hour fitness session. My dream is to play for India, she said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Sumit Bhattacharjee (headline edited) / November 21st, 2022
18-year-old Falak Naaz comes from a poor family in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This did not stop her from dreaming to play for national women’s cricket team. Earlier this month, she was selected to be part of the under-19 national team for the upcoming first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) :
Braving crippling poverty, 18-year-old Falak Naaz of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh has made it to the under-19 Indian women’s international cricket team that will represent India in the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in South Africa in January 2023.
Falak was selected for her outstanding all-around performance in Uttar Pradesh junior women’s cricket team.
A student of class 12, Falak credits her success to her family and coach Ajay Yadav.
“Even though playing cricket for a girl is not so common in our region, my family and coach always supported and encouraged me,” Falak told TwoCircles.net.
Falak said she started playing cricket only for entertainment. “I soon developed a passion for the game and wanted to make it my career,” she said.
Falak is raring to go to South Africa for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
“I feel proud to represent my country in the T-20 World Cup and hope to do well in the upcoming matches,” she said.
The first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup will commence on January 14 in South Africa in which 16 teams are participating. The final of the tournament will be held on January 29. The Indian team will be captained by Shefali Verma.
Braving odds Falak’s father Nasir Ahmad works as a peon in a private school while her brother had to leave his studies to work at a cycle repair shop to support their family of seven, which includes their grandparents. Her family lives in a single-room, tin-roofed house in a locality on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Katghar area of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Falak’s selection in the national team has given hope to her family, and they are elated at her success.
“After her selection in the under-19 team, I feel proud,” her father Nasir told TwoCircles.net.
“Our financial condition was not good to support our daughter’s ambitions. However, her hard work has was rewarded. We are proud that our daughter is playing for the country. We are praying that Falak performs well in the matches ahead,” Falak’s mother Zeenat Bano told TwoCircles.net.
Passion for cricket Falak started playing cricket at the age of 12. She could not get admission at any sports academy as her father was not able pay the fee.
Her fate changed in 2015 when cricket coach Ajay Yadav decided to train her free of cost at his academy.
Falak wanted to become a fast bowler. On the advice of her coach, she decided to work on her batting and bowling and became an all-rounder. Her hard work bore fruit when she was selected for the Uttar Pradesh junior women’s cricket team in 2016. It was her performance here that helped her in securing a place in the under-19 Indian women’s cricket team.
Falak’s coach Ajay Yadav told TwoCircles.net that she is a dedicated person and works hard to achieve what she wants.
“This is what ensured her place in the U-19 team,” he said.
“Bowling is her strength but she plays as an all-rounder. Falak can play in any situation and does not come under pressure. I am sure that she will give an outstanding performance in the World Cup,” he said.
Her family and friends are celebrating her success. They are excited about her selection to the U-19 team. “I have seen Falak’s dedication towards her ambition. It is a moment of joy not only for her but for all of us to see her succeed,” her friend Shipra said.
Her friends are eager to see her play in South Africa. “We are now eagerly waiting to see her playing on the pitch in South Africa. We are sure that Falak will do well. We are praying for the team to win the T-20 World Cup,” her friend Riya said.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by TCN Staff Reporter / December 14th, 2022
Ayeera Chisti, the first Kashmiri girl to win a medal at the World Wushu Championship
Ayeera Chisti, the Wushu wonderkid from the Kashmir valley added another feather in her rising career by winning a bronze medal at the World junior Wushu championship this weekend.
With this achievement she has become the first girl from Jammu and Kashmir to win a medal at this prestigious championship.
Among the first to congratulate her was JK Sports Council.
The 8th world junior Wushu championship was held in Banten, Indonesia from December 2 to 11.
Speaking to Awazthevoice.in, Ayeera’s coach, Asif said, “This is just the beginning. This is the result of years of hardwork, dedication, patience and discipline. There are many targets we have to achieve”.
Before departing for the championship, Ayeera had exuded confidence of doing well at the event. “I will come back with a medal”, she had told Awazthevloice.in.
The 11th class student of Amira Kadal Higher Secondary School, Srinagar had already etched her name in history books by becoming the first girl from Srinagar to represent the country in the world championships.
Khelo India congratulated Ayeera on becoming the first girl from JK to win a medal at this level.
Ayeera had lost to Malak Ossama of Egypt in the semifinal.
She had earlier defeated her rival from Macau in the last-eight stage.
The Indian contingent finished with a record eight medals, including three golds in the championship. Apart from the yellow metal, India also won three silvers and two bronze medals.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by Nakul Shivani, New Delhi (headline edited) / December 12th, 2022
The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Dhyan Chand Award, 2017 to Shri Syed Shahid Hakim for Football, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 29, 2017. Photo: Wikipedia
The name of Syed Shahid Hakim is familiar to the entire football fraternity of India. He was one of the most accomplished personalities who graced Hyderabad and Indian football as a player, referee and coach. Indeed it would not be wrong to say that there were few people in India who could match his knowledge and acumen about the different aspects of football. Besides being a well known personality in football, he also served as an officer in the Indian Air Force.
Being one of the sons of the great coach S.A. Rahim, he grew up in a football related environment. Hakim belonged to that period when Hyderabad was at the zenith of Indian football. He played with the illustrious players of India. Among his teammates were the famous goalkeeper Peter Thangaraj, D. Kannan, S.A. Latif, Yousuf Khan, S. Narayanan, H H Hamed and others. All these players were from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
As a player, Hakim’s talent bloomed at an early age. He was at his peak in the late 1950s. He was a member of the Hyderabad state team which won the Santosh Trophy in 1957. Due to his prodigious talent and his rising status in Indian football, he was selected to represent India in the Pre-Olympic tournaments in Jakarta, Singapore and Malaysia.
It was not a surprise when he was also selected in the Indian team for the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. That was the last time that India qualified for the Olympic Games. Although India narrowly failed to enter the knockout stage of the tournament, the Games were a great learning opportunity for Hakim.
The close interaction that Hakim had with the world’s best players and coaches gave his keen intelligence some valuable insights into the tactics and training of European and South American players. These he later put into use when guiding his own trainees. This is where his education and learning proved to be a big asset. Having studied at All Saints HS, Nizam College and then Osmania University, his level of education was above many other footballers. This enabled him to interact easily with foreigners and learn from everything that he observed.
Later, after he joined the Indian Air Force, he played for the defence services team and went on to be appointed captain of the All India Services team.
After retiring from the game as a player, he continued to serve Indian football in various capacities. He became a well known referee who was among the best in India. Starting from 1970 he continued to serve as a referee for many years. In 1974 he was selected to be a member of the FIFA Referees panel which was a great honour for an Indian referee.
Thereafter, he officiated in 33 international matches and it is a record which is still not broken. No other Indian referee has officiated in 33 international matches.
But that was not the end of his distinguished career. Thereafter, Hakim became a reputed coach and coached the Indian team from 1980 to 1982 for the Merdeka Cup and Delhi Asian Games along with other coaches.
When he was 80, he fell prey to the rampaging COVID pandemic but recovered. However, despite winning the battle against the dreaded virus, his life did not last long thereafter. He suffered two strokes in rapid succession and passed away in Gulbarga where he had been admitted to a hospital in August 2021. His death left a void in Indian football which will perhaps never be fulfilled.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Abhijit Sen Gupta / December 09th, 2022
The less fancied 27-year-old Rahman dished out a cool calculated performance to outshine the experienced Pasha and smoothly cruise to a deserving 25-0, 21-16 without much ado.
Unassuming sixth seed Abdul Rahman of Uttar Pradesh cornered all the glory recording an authoritative straight sets victory against international and fourth seed Zaheer Pasha of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the men’s singles final of the 49th Senior National Carrom Championship on Monday.
The less fancied 27-year-old Rahman dished out a cool calculated performance to outshine the experienced Pasha and smoothly cruise to a deserving 25-0, 21-16 without much ado and clinch his maiden crown in the national championship organised by the All-India Carrom Federation (AICF) and hosted by the Maharashtra Carrom Association (MCA).
In the women’s competition, international and fifth seed Kajal Kumari of PSPB (Petroleum Sports Promotion Board) overcame the spirited challenge from fourth seed Nilam Ghodke of JISL (Jain Irrigation System Limited) snatching victory in two closely-contested sets, 15-12, 17-10 to emerge champion.
Pasha, who had knocked out teammate and top seed Prashant More in the semi-finals, was erratic and surprisingly missed some easy shots which proved to be his downfall.
In contrast, Rahman played steadily and confidently executed his shots and gradually gained the momentum which he hung on to throughout the contest, which turned out to be a one-sided affair.
In the first set, Rahman settled down quickly and won the first six boards to pocket the set 25-0 and open up a 1-0 lead. Pasha showed signs of fighting back as he won the opening two boards to take an 8-0 lead in the second, but Rahman bounced back and steadily won the next three and with the eight points won on the fifth board he jumped to a 20-8 points lead.
Pasha managed to win four points in the sixth to narrow the lead to 12-20, but he lost a close seventh board as Rahman led 21-12 going into the 8th and final board. Pasha was left with an uphill task of getting 10 points from the final board and he tried his best but lacked consistency and with that, his hopes of staying alive faded away. Rahman capitalized on every chance to sink his black coins and ensure his success.
Meanwhile, Mantasha Iqbal of AAI (Airports Authority of India) defeated Debagani Tamuly of DASCB (Defence Accounts Sports Promotion Board) 8-25, 19-15, and 22-11 in the women’s third-fourth place match.
In the men’s third-fourth place match, Maharashtra’s Sandeep Dive defeated World champion and top seed Prashant More of RBI 25-19, 18-1.
Mohammed Salim, the first Indian footballer to play for a foreign club. In this photograph from 1936, due to playing in bare feet, he is having them bandaged by Jimmy McMenemy the Celtic FC trainer. Photo: Wikipedia
Who was the first Indian footballer to play for a European football club? Very few people in India will be able to answer this question correctly.
He was a Kolkata-based football player Mohammed Salim who was selected by the well-known Celtic Football Club in Scotland in 1936. He carved out a brief but glorious career before returning to his hometown.
An interesting story was once told by his son Rashid Ahmed. After his father had grown old, the son decided to see if the famous Celtic Club of Scotland still remembered his father. He wrote to Celtic Club introducing himself as the son of their former player Mohammed Salim and stated that his father was facing financial difficulty in his old age.
Rashid Ahmed was not really expecting any reply from the club authorities after so many years. He had simply taken a chance. However, he got the biggest surprise of his life when the Celtic football club replied with a letter of sympathy and a bank draft of 100 pounds enclosed.
“I really had no need for the money. It was just a ploy to find out if Mohammed Salim was still alive in their memory. To my amazement, I received a letter from the club. Inside was a bank draft for £100. I was delighted, not because I received the money but because my father still he had a place of pride in Celtic. I have not encashed the draft and will preserve it till I die. I just want my father’s name to be remembered as the first Indian footballer to play abroad,” Rashid told the media.
The reason why Salim returned to India was that he was uncomfortable with the food and the climate of Scotland. He had been born and brought up in Kolkata and therefore was not used to the foreign conditions. Celtic Club pleaded with him to remain in Scotland and even offered to organise a charity match on his behalf. Salim refused and asked that the money be donated to local orphans.
Thereafter German clubs also became interested in retaining Salim. He was offered a professional contract to play in Germany. But he was resolute that he would return to India. So he traveled back to India to rejoin Mohammedan Sporting Club for the beginning of the 1937 Calcutta Football League.
To trace his life back to the starting point, he was born to a middle-class family in Metiaburj in Bengal in 1904. He was studying to be a chemist but football was his first love. His skills were soon spotted by the Mohammedan Sporting club and he was recruited in 1927.
After a brief stint with other clubs, Salim rejoined Mohammedan Sporting in 1934 and ensured that it reached the very top. It was the golden period of this club with Salim spearheading the attacks. He won thousands of hearts with his ball control, dribbling and accurate passes.
A Chinese football official Dr. Chi Chao Yung who saw Salim and his teammates in action said: “Allow me to congratulate the members of the Indian team for their wonderful display. In the course of the game, they showed perfect understanding and exceptional speed. The forwards, Salim, Rahim, Bhattacharjee and Abbas were outstanding in their game.”
Soon after this, Salim departed for Scotland to try his luck there. The well-known Scottish manager Willie Mayley was surprised at the skills that Salim displayed and took him in the Celtic side. On 28 August 1936, he helped Celtic win 7–1 against Galston. The Scottish Daily Express carried the headline: “Indian Juggler – A New Style”, along with a description of Salim that read: “Ten twinkling toes of Salim, Celtic FC’s player from India, hypnotised the crowd last night. Three of Celtic’s seven goals came from his moves.” Another newspaper, The Glasgow Observer wrote: “Salim tickled the crowd at Celtic Park on Friday with his magnificent ball manipulation despite playing barefooted.”
But even after the praise and success, Salim decided to return to India because he missed his home country. In 1940 Mohammedan Sporting became the first Indian club to win the Durand Cup in front of one lakh spectators. The British Viceroy at that time Lord Linlithgow, witnessed the match against the Royal Warwickshire regiment.
In 1980, at the age of 76, Salim passed away in Kolkata.
Before independence, challenging the might of the British rulers was a Herculean task. Salim achieved this seemingly impossible feat with his football. That was his greatest glory. He demonstrated that even barefooted Indian players, with determination and skill, could overcome the strongest of British teams.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by Abhijit Sent Gupta / November 26th, 2022
You must have seen the film Dangal starring Aamir Khan, but today we are going to introduce you to the Dangal family of Shivpuri.
The story of this family is no less than the story of the film Dangal. Shivpuri’s daughter Muskaan Khan has brought laurels to the country, state and city.
Muskaan has achieved a new milestone by winning 4 Gold in Open Federation Commonwealth Power Lifting Championship 2022 held in Auckland, New Zealand.
Read the story of a father who fulfilled his dream through his daughter
Father Mohammad Dara Khan told- I had a dream since childhood to bring gold medal for the country. For this, I was interested in sports from the beginning. My game was handball. Played at the state level 3 times in this. Also played national in basketball. In the year 1997, at the age of 20, I got selected as SI in ITBP from sports quota.
2-4 days before the selection, my fingers got cut in an accident. My dream of winning gold remained unfulfilled due to a broken hand. Days started passing. Leaving the dream behind, I got busy in the poultry farm business.
Sports man father was selected as SI in ITBP at the age of 20 from sports quota but due to accident he could not join duty.
I have 5 children. Has 3 daughters and 2 sons. The business was growing for the upkeep of the family, but the heart used to beat only to bring gold medal for the country. Was constrained but kept looking for opportunities. I started playing a special role in organizing sports competitions in the village.
Meanwhile, the middle daughter Muskaan came as a ray of hope. Her inclination towards sports started encouraging me. I thought that only my daughter would fulfill my dreams. Along with school studies, she started working hard towards sports as well. I also joined her.
Muskaan won gold in squat lifting, bench press, dead lifting and total weight count.
Muskan was enrolled in a private school in Shivpuri, 20 km away from the village. I started taking my daughter to school 40 kilometers away every day. Muskaan’s hard work paid off. She started topping the sports competition.
I stood by him every step of the way. Kept supporting him equally. Wherever I felt that there was a possibility to move forward in it, I would try to take it forward in that field. First she started with handball. Muskaan played national 3 times in mini handball. My daughter alone scored 9 out of 10 goals in the match.
Then I felt that she should be brought into the individual game. Muskaan prepared for weight lifting after a lot of thought. As soon as weight lifting started, Muskan reached to play the state. Meanwhile, Corona stopped the speed of the daughter. Seeing this, I decided to make arrangements for her at home. I slowly got the gym ready at home. Muskaan worked hard for 2 years.
Muskaan with her team at the airport to participate in the power lifting championship in New Zealand.
Results in one year The father told that his daughter Muskaan took part in the power weight lifting competition as soon as the corona was over and on seeing it, she won her glory from district level to divisional level and then state level competitions.
After this Muskaan was selected in the Commonwealth Power Lifting 2022 to be held in New Zealand. Muskaan was flown to New Zealand on 25 November. Where Muskaan brought laurels to the country including her city by winning 4 gold in the power weight lifting competition. It is a matter of pride for me that my daughter has fulfilled my dream.
Muskaan left for New Zealand on 25 November. There he brought laurels to the country by winning 4 gold in the power weight lifting competition.
Muskaan left for New Zealand on 25 November. There she brought laurels to the country by winning 4 gold medals three in squat lifting, bench press, dead lifting and one in total weight count in the power weight lifting competition.
Played Mini Handball for the State Mohammad Dara said that daughter Muskaan had participated in the State Handball Competition for the first time in the year 2016.
After this she played National in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Javelin to Shot Put Khan told that his daughter had already tried her luck in handball before power lifting. She also threw javelin and shot put in individual games. After facing a problem in the preparations in the village, he got inclined towards weight lifting.
Participants from other countries with a smile. Muskaan also made new friends during the Power Lifting Championship in New Zealand.
Used to fight with brother over eating spicy Muskaan’s brother Honey Khan told that there is a fight with the younger sister Muskaan over food and drink. She used to like spicy food, but I don’t let her eat it. She used to complain about this to her father. Papa and I tell her to pay attention to the diet. I am happy now that she has reached this point because of this fight. Today the whole family is celebrating with the success of Muskaan.
Muskaan had earlier won 2 gold medals and one silver in the ‘All India Power Lifting Competition in Kasargod, Kerala in August 2022.
Muskan hoisted the flag in competitions from district level to divisional level and then state level.
source: http://www.divya-bharat.com / Divya Bharat , New India / Home> Sports News / by Kapil Mishra (edited) / November 29th, 2022
Father has won silver and daughter brought home Gold.
Wondering what I’m talking about? It’s time to take a letter-travel to Mangalagiri in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to know about an international powerlifting champion, Saadiya Almas, who won gold in the Asian Powerlifting Championship held in Istanbul recently.
Almas has made her father, Sheikh Sandhaani, who won silver in the Asian Benchpress Championship held in Jamshedpur in 2004, extremely proud.
By lifting 167.5kg in the Squad category, 70kg in the Benchpress and 157.5kg in deadlift category which summed up in total to 395kg, Almas bagged an overall Gold.
Almas participated in the championships with the help of Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan who offered her a financial help of Rs. 2 lakh to travel to Turkey. This KL University student who is pursuing her degree currently is also hailed as Strong Girl of India.
Earlier, this girl of muscle has won bronze in the Asian Powerlifting Championship in the sub-junior category by lifting an overall weight of 242.5kg.
We wish Saadiya great success in all her future championships and may her growth represent her town and state on the world map.
source: http://www.bookofachievers.com / Book of Achievers / Home> Snippets> Story / by Raghu K (headline edited) / January 26th, 2022
