Category Archives: Sports

Irfan Pathan Aids 60 Families Ravaged By Bihar Floods With Mother Teresa Foundation

Vadodara, GUJARAT :

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan is the first cricketer to come forward to help the people who have been severely affected by floods in Bihar and Assam.

Image : Irfan Pathan Instagram

India has been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with over 1.8 million people being tested positive for the deadly virus. To make matters worse, the states of Bihar and Assam are also tussling with floods for over two months now. Both states have been gravely affected by the floods with lakhs of people being forced to displace themselves and take shelter in relief camps. As many as 38,47,531 people have been impacted across Bihar and more than 25,000 people have taken to shelter homes. 

Bihar and Assam floods: Irfan Pathan donates ration to 60 families

Amidst these testing times, the Mother Teresa Foundation has come to the rescue of people in Assam and Bihar in their fight against the catastrophe. The foundation has been urging prominent personalities from the Bollywood and the cricketing fraternity to come forward and help them in the noble cause.

And the first cricketer to come forward to help the people affected by floods in Bihar and Assam is former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. The same was confirmed by Yahya Rahmani, who is a part of the Mother Teresa Foundation. Rahmani has also been involved in organizing Flood Donation Drive across Bihar. While speaking to Crictracker, Rahmani said that Irfan Pathan donated ration to 60 families of Bihar’s flood-affected people. He added that the packet consisted of essential items like Chana, Chura, Daal, Oil, Dettol and Rice.

This is not the first time that Irfan Pathan has come forward to help those in need. In fact, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan distributed 10,000 kg rice and 700 kg potatoes to the daily wage labourers in Baroda who were finding it difficult to make their ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan had also distributed face masks to the public.

What is Irfan Pathan net worth?

According to trendcelebsnow.com, Irfan Pathan net worth is estimated to be around US$5 million (approximately ₹38 crore). His net worth comprises of his earnings from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a former Indian cricket player. It also comprises of his various Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts with teams like Kings XI Punjab, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad among other franchises whom he represented over the years.

Disclaimer: The above Irfan Pathan net worth information from the Irfan Pathan House details is sourced from various websites and media reports. The website does not guarantee a 100% accuracy of the figures.

source: http://www.republicworld.com / Republic World.com / Home> Sports News> Cricket News / by Jatin Malu / August 03rd, 2020

A special gift from President for teen cycling champ who washes dishes to fund passion

Madhubani District , BIHAR / NEW DELHI :

Riyaz, a student of Delhi’s Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, was gifted a racing bike Friday by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Ram Nath Kovind with Riyaz, 16, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Friday | Credit: Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi:

 Until 2017, Riyaz, 16, had never even seen a racing bicycle. Three years later, his obvious potential in the sport has earned him special recognition from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Ram Nath Kovind Friday gifted a racing bicycle to Riyaz, a Ghaziabad resident who only goes by his first name, after coming across a news report about his passion for the sport and the arduous efforts he was making to excel in it. 

The son of a small-time cook, Riyaz juggles his studies with a part-time job at a Ghaziabad eatery. Over the last three years, he has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the cycling circuit, acing several races, including those on the national level.   

“I am elated after meeting the President, who gifted me this bicycle a day before Eid. This is my Eidi,” Riyaz told ThePrint in a telephonic interview.

“It is a dream come true for me. This has motivated me to do even better, and I am grateful to my coaches Ajay Arya, Pramod Sharma and other teachers for the support,” Riyaz said.

A native of Bihar’s Madhubani district, Riyaz’s father is a cook who worked at small dhabas and eateries in Delhi until the Covid lockdown forced him to return home. His mother lives in his native village with Riyaz’s four siblings.

“Due to the lockdown, my father went back home. He wanted to take me with him but I chose not to go because that would have affected my training,” said Riyaz, a student of Class 9 at Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Delhi, who regularly trains at the capital’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. 

An ‘accidental’ passion

Riyaz makes his living washing dishes at an eatery in Ghaziabad, where he lives in a Rs 2,500/month rented room. He came to the President’s notice after a 14 July report in the Hindi daily Dainik Jagran detailed his struggle. He was saving money from his pay for professional coaching in cycling, the report said, adding that he had won bronze at the Delhi State Cycling Championship 2020 this January. As he gifted him the bicycle, President Kovind wished Riyaz the best and said he hopes he becomes an international champion. 

For all his talent, however, it was a pure accident that led Riyaz towards cycle racing.

“I was always interested in sports. I joined Delhi’s Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in 2016 and started participating in different sports events. I also won three gold medals at the zonal level in that year — in the 400-metre race, long jump and high jump, and was declared the best athlete,” he said.

“In 2017, there was a cycling event in Guwahati and my coach, Ajay sir, asked me if I wanted to join the team as there were fewer participants than required, and I agreed,” Riyaz added. 

He agreed, but the thought of competing against around 60 contestants scared him. “But coach sir motivated me and I secured the fifth position in that race,” he said, adding that he borrowed someone’s cycle for the race. 

A long struggle

Arya speaks about his protege’s struggle in glowing terms. “He used to work until late, sometimes till around midnight. He then used to wake up at 4am to go for training,” said Arya. 

According to the coach, Riyaz initially began his training on a regular bicycle. “The racing bicycle is very expensive. No good bicycle comes for less than Rs 50,000,” added Riyaz. Having practised on a borrowed cycle so far, Riyaz said he is happy that he now owns one.

Asked how his parents reacted, he said he has not had a chance to speak to them. “I told them yesterday that I was being called to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. But I did not get to speak with them after getting the bicycle.”

source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> India/ by Unnati Sharma / July 31st, 2020

Indian Junior Women’s Team’s Forward Mumtaz Khan helping her parents, who work as vegetable vendors in Lucknow

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow :

The story of young Mumtaz Khan, who plays as a Forward for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team, is one of hardships, grit, determination and great potential. The 17-year-old who hails from the city of Lucknow happened to choose hockey only by coincidence but has become one of the brightest prospects for the country after putting in impressive performances in the last couple of years.

Speaking from her home, Mumtaz reminisced her early days. “I believe it was in the year 2011 that I was spotted at one of the races I was participating in for my school. It was Neelam Siddiqui who was present on the occasion and told my father that he should put me into the sport of hockey. I didn’t really know much about the sport back then because I was so young, but as I started watching and playing it, I started developing a real interest,” said the teenager who was eventually enrolled into the Lucknow hostel in 2014 and started training under Siddiqui.

“I feel it was just a coincidence that Coach (Siddiqui) found me there in Agra, and the rest that has followed has been due to the hard work that I have put in,” she added.

Mumtaz, whose father and mother work as vegetable vendors in Lucknow, has many goals in mind and one of them is to help her family. “I do come from a very humble background so one of the factors in me playing hockey was that I might be able to help my parents. I have been fortunate enough to have represented the Indian Junior Women’s Team and have always aimed at giving my all on the pitch, and I am hoping that it can translate into a bright future for us off the field,” expressed the 17-year-old.

Lauded for her efforts by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at the 3rd Youth Olympic Games 2018, where her 10 goals helped India in securing the Silver Medal, Mumtaz says she wants to aim for bigger things but is looking to take it one step at a time.

“I know that whatever I have done so far is nothing as compared to what I want to achieve in my career, so I don’t want to get too ahead of myself. I want to ensure I am taking small baby steps, and doing the right things always. I am happy to have the support of my parents and my Coaches, and my dream is to repay their faith in whatever way possible,” said the Forward who has also won the Bronze Medal at the 4th Girls U-18 Asia Cup 2016, Silver Medal at the 6-Nations Invitational Tournament 2018, and the Gold Medal at the Cantor Fitzgerald U21 International 4-Nations Tournament 2019.

The journey for the youngster has been full of ups and downs, but the 17-year-old is determined to keep shining for the country. “It is no secret that I have had difficult moments personally, and sometimes it has been difficult for my parents also, but I am glad that they have always supported me no matter what, and I can’t wait to make them happy. For that, I have very clear goals in mind, which are to perform very well in each training session and each match that I play for my country, and eventually, help my team in winning medals at big tournaments like the Olympics and the Asian Games,” signed off Mumtaz.

source: http://www.mykhel.com / MyKhel / Home> Hockey> News / by Avinash Sharma / Lucknow – August 02nd, 2020

Munaf Patel Sets up Coronavirus Centre in his Village; Former Teammates Praise Efforts

Ikhar village (Bharuch District), GUJARAT :

After hanging up his boots, he decided to live in his village. People lovingly call him Munna in Ikhar.

Former India cricketer Munaf Patel has informed that they are starting COVID-19 centre in their village Ikhar, located in Bharuch district of Gujarat.

Patel took to Instagram to spread the word about their new initiative. Sharing pictures of the newly set up COVID-19 centre, Patel thanked the health department and government officials.

The cricketer, who was the part of 2011 World Cup winning team, received appreciation from his former colleagues. Responding to his post, Gautam Gambhir asked him to keep up the good work. Gambhir said, “We are in it together.”

Pragyan Ojha replied “Well done Patel,” while Yuvraj Singh wrote, “Great work sarfi.”

In April, when four people tested positive for COVID-19 in Bharuch district, Patel decided to spread the message of social distancing to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, reported The Indian Express.

The local administration in view of the situation at that time asked the fast bowler, who is an influential figure in the region, to explain to people the importance of physical distancing.

Patel told the national daily that their village was sealed after surfacing four COVID-19 cases, adding that the panchayat and the committee which he is part of made sure that essential items reached homes.

He advised people in his village and district to not stay in groups and wash hands at regular intervals to keep the infection at bay.

After hanging up his boots, he decided to live in his village. People lovingly call him Munna in Ikhar.

source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Cricket Next / by Trending Desk / July 29th, 2020

Thousands of records are registered in the name of this player

Patna, BIHAR :

National-international para swimmer Mo Shams Alam has registered his name in the India Book of Records, performing excellently. On December 8, 2019, 24 general and differently abled swimmers took part in the Misri Lal Smriti Open Swimming Championships organized by Bihar Swimming Association at Ganga on Law College Ghat in Patna. Shams completed the first place by completing two km of swimming in 12 minutes 23 seconds. Mohammad resident of Rathaus village of Bisfi Block Shams (33), son of Naseer, says that after getting the name in the India Book of Records, now the Asian Book of Records, Limca Book of Records and Guinness World Record will apply for registration. In the Lok Sabha elections 2019, the commission made them brand ambassadors.

Did not lose courage, started working hard: Even after half of the body is paralyzed, Shams has received five dozen medals from district to international level. In the year 2010, while studying mechanical engineering, there were complaints of spine pain. Operation was done in a hospital in Mumbai. Five months later, the operation took place in another hospital. In the year 2012, the doctors said to be Divyang. Days passed with the help of wheelchairs. But, I did not lose courage. Started working hard in swimming. He wishes to pursue disabled sports talents in rural areas.

Participated in competitions in several countries: Shams, who won the title in Florida in the US in Para Swimming, has won several awards including gold medal in Para Swimming Competition in different parts of the country. Black belt shams in martial arts In the year 2018, he was selected for the Global Sports Mentoring Program organized under the joint aegis of the US Government Department of Sports and Tennessee University of America.

Record Rate Record: In the year 2017, the Umoja Beach Festival organized by a Travels Company in Goa set a record by swimming eight km in four hours and four minutes. At the Para World Series Swimming Championships held in Berlin in July 2017, with 634 players from 54 countries, they achieved seventh rank in the S5 category in performance. Participated in the wheelchair rugby championship of Patna as captain of Bihar team in August 2017. Participated in the Asian Para Games to be held in Jakarta in the year 2018. The year 2017 was conferred by the Bihar Divyang Sports Academy and the Bihar Government in the same year at the Sports Honor ceremony in Patna.

source: http://www.english.newstracklive.com / NewsTrackLive.com / Home> Sports / by Harshita Jain / June 25th, 2020

Meet Mohammad Nawaz, the accidental goalkeeper leading FC Goa from the back

Imphal, MANIPUR :

Shaking off initial hiccups in his career, Mohammad Nawaz is slowly but surely becoming a household name in India having helped FC Goa win the ISL League Winners Shield last season.

Mohammad Nawaz kept four clean sheets in his maiden ISL season in 2018/19. (Source: ISL)

With the restart of the domestic season weeks away, The Indian Express looks into the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow in ‘India’s New Hopes’.

What happens when a player’s professional debut is marred with a brain-fade leading to an opposition goal? More often than not, the debutant’s self-confidence shatters and he loses his nerves. Not Mohammad Nawaz though.

When FC Goa’s leading man between the sticks made his Indian Super League (ISL) debut against NorthEast United in October 2018, he had cost his team a goal — Federico Gallego had scored into an empty goal after Nawaz had handled the ball some 25 yards away from goal. “Honestly, I never considered what happened in Guwahati as a mistake. On the pitch itself, I had decided that I would focus on the next minute and learn from that experience,” Nawaz recollects while talking with indianexpress.com over phone from Imphal.

Already a backbone of the Gaurs’ setup and a holder of the ISL League Winners Shield, Nawaz’s meteoric rise can be credited to his unflinching attitude in the face of adversity. Before his debut-debacle in the ISL, the Manipuri suffered heartbreak in 2016 when he was left out of India’s U17 World Cup squad.

“When I was in the AIFF Elite Academy, I had one goal — to make the U17 World Cup squad, but I wasn’t selected in the end. But I didn’t let that setback affect me, as I signed for FC Goa in January 2018,” said the 20-year-old.

“Initially, I kept my head down, and then, after six months, the head coach [Sergio Lobera] came up to me and had a talk with me. I was surprised that he picked me for my debut, as there were two senior goalkeepers — [Laxmikant] Katti-bhai and [Lalthuammawia] Ralte-bhai — but he believed in me,” continued Nawaz, who had made a mark playing in the Goa Pro League in early 2018.

Mohammad Nawaz’s 2019/20 statistics. (Source: ISL)

Nawaz is set to make history by being the first Indian goalkeeper to play in the AFC Champions League next season, but he didn’t always intend to don the gloves.

“After watching my cousin, Mohammad Yasir [who plays for Hyderabad FC now], in training back in my childhood, I got into the sport. I used to play as a forward in the beginning, but when I was around eight years old, things changed. I played as a goalkeeper for my local club, YOSC (Youth Organisation Social Club), in one tournament as they didn’t have one,” he reminisced.

“Then, in 2010, I went for a district trial. Since there were only three goalkeepers in contention, my uncle told me to apply as a goalkeeper. I did just that, because in the end, I just wanted to have fun playing the game. From there, I was selected for Manipur and played in Kolkata in 2012. Then I got selected for the national team at the U13 level and I was recruited by the AIFF Elite Academy in 2013.”

Although he ended up as a goalkeeper by accident, Nawaz has fit the role like a glove. At 5’9″, Nawaz is not exactly of the imposing goalkeeping specimen, but there’s more than what meets the eye. Aside from being able to throw himself like a missile to effectively stop venomous volleys in their tracks, he has his ambipedal feet on which he can rely on.

“I believe passing is a very essential trait for a goalkeeper. At FC Goa, most of the attacks start from the back and since I have experience playing as an outfield player, choosing the right pass comes easily to me. Sometimes, it’s very scary, but a good sweeper-keeper should always be able to deal with tension,” said the 2000-born who tries to emulate the likes of Manuel Neuer and Ederson.

No other goalkeeper had a higher passing accuracy than Mohammad Nawaz last season. (Source: ISL)

Ever since the lockdown, Nawaz has been cooped up inside his Imphal house with his father, who works as a driver, and his mother, who is an anganwadi worker.

“I’m getting to spend some quality time with my parents because of the lockdown, but it has hampered my fitness. As soon as Ramadan ended, I started training. Lately, I have been playing with some youth players in the mornings, doing some drills with them, and in the evening, I have been hitting the gym,” he said.

“From time to time, I also play a lot of gully-cricket,” Nawaz continued. “I am not a wicketkeeper though… I can do my fair share of both batting and bowling.”

Having helped his team to the top of the table, play in an ISL final, and qualify for the continent’s premier club competition within the space of just two years, the accidental goalkeeper from Manipur is slowly but surely becoming a household name in the country.

Even after all that, Nawaz’s ambition knows no bounds. “Next season, my goal is to win the ISL Golden Glove. But more importantly, I will continue working hard to finally break into the senior national team this year itself.”

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Football / by Debkalpa Banerjee / June 21st, 2020

Habib – the Bade Miyan of Calcutta ‘maidan’

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Mohd Habib was a lethal striker of the ball in the 60s and 70s. — File Photo

Known for his nimble footwork, the diminutive Hyderabadi was also referred as Indian Pele.

Hyderabad: 

He was the Bade Miyan of the hollowed Calcutta ‘maidan’. The name of Mohammed Habib stands out amid the galaxy of stars that twinkled on these grounds.

Known for his nimble footwork, the diminutive Hyderabadi was also referred as Indian Pele. His exploits with the ball for 17 long years (1966 to 1983) in the City of Joy brought him many laurels. The huge crowd, the pressure, and the fan following are still fresh in Habib’s memory. “It was the good old days. I loved the game and it was one of the best moments of my career,’’ said Habib, who is now afflicted with Parkinson’s disease.

Residing in Toli Chowki, Habib is a forgotten hero in Hyderabad. “No one knows me,’’ he said with a smile, a few years ago. In a marked contrast, he is a hero worshipped in Kolkata. Nevertheless, his contribution to Indian football is immense.

Now in his 70s, Habib’s famous number 10 jersey evoked nostalgic memories. As a multi-dimensional player, he was a sensation. Skillful and hard-working, Habib was excellent as a striker and a midfielder. As former Indian striker Shabbir Ali said Habib had the elegance, vision, passing, ball control, and technique. “He was a livewire on the ground. He had exceptional fighting qualities. That stood him apart from other players,’’ he said.

Habib said he enjoyed the game. “The roar in Eden Gardens was amazing. It was all about handling the pressure. I cherished challenges.’’

Victor Amalraj, the former Indian midfielder, said Habib had the ability to dodge past three or four players before scoring a goal. “He was an attacking midfielder keeping the forwards busy. He was also capable of playing upfront as he had the speed and dribbling skills. He was a lethal striker. He had a good header too as he leapt high to nod the ball in. He was a true professional. I was lucky to play alongside him and also captain him,’’ said Amalraj.

Habib was a hugely popular player and he commanded a huge market like his brother Akbar. He was considered a big catch with all the big three — East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting — angling for him.

Although his longest stint was with East Bengal, Habib’s memorable moments came for Mohun Bagan when the club played against the star-studded Pele-led Cosmos team in 1977. That particular match was a huge one for this Hyderabad striker as he struck a goal in the two-all drawn match. It earned plaudits from none other Pele. “I remember getting the ball in my zone. I turned and struck the ball in. There was a huge roar and a hug from Pele himself. That night after the match, he asked me why I’m not playing in European league as a professional. I said I’m a professional here.’’

Hailing from a family of footballers with all six brothers excelling in the game, Habib said it was proud to have so many players from one family. “Azam, Moinuddin, Fareed, Akbar, Jaffar and I all played big-time football.’’

Although he made a big mark in Calcutta, Habib also played for India with great distinction. He was a member of the Nayeemuddin-led Indian team that won the bronze medal in the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. “I think I was fortunate to play in three Asian Games. Remember India had a glorious history. Today, the Indian football team is languishing. Other nations like South Korea, Japan, Iran, Iraq, China have marched ahead of others. They have made huge strides in world football while we are struggling in Asian football. The Indian football players cannot match the speed and stamina of some of the teams of the Asian countries,’’ said Habib, who later on shone as coach after quitting the game.

He was honoured with the Arjuna Award. Now, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, he is virtually confined to his house.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home> Sports> Football / by N Jagannath Das / June 07th, 2020

Former Santosh Trophy player Hamza Koya passes away in Kerala after Covid-19 infection

Parappanagadi (Malappuram District) KERALA / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Hamza Koya played as a wing-back position and represented Maharashtra in Santosh Trophy from 1981 to 1986 and was selected for Indian Soccer camp twice.

Former Santosh Trophy player Hamza Koya (L) passed away due to Covid-19 infection. (Hamza Koya Facebook)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Former Santosh Trophy player Hamza Koya passed away after Covid-19 infection
  • Hamza Koya had undergone plasma therapy for Covid-19
  • His wife and son also tested positive after arriving in Kerala

Former Santosh Trophy player Hamza Koya passed away after undergoing plasma therapy for Covid-19 infection in Kerala. He was 61. Hamza Koya who hails from Parappanangadi in Malappuram district had been living in Mumbai and arrived in the state on May 21 along with his wife, son and his family.

His wife and son also tested positive after arriving in Kerala and are undergoing treatment. His daughter-in-law and two grandchildren including a three-month-old baby were also tested positive along with him. They are undergoing treatment at Manjeri Medical College.

According to a medical bulletin issued by Manjeri Medical College, Hamza’s condition turned critical and he was given plasma therapy on June 5 with the permission of the medical board. He passed away late at night. Now Kerala accounts 15 deaths due to Covid-19and 11 persons died during the last three weeks.

Hamza Koya played as a wing-back position and represented Maharashtra in Santosh Trophy from 1981 to 1986 and selected for Indian Soccer camp twice.

In his two-decade-long sports career, he represented Calicut University during 1976-78, Western Railways, Union Bank , RCF,TATA Sports and Orkay mills from 1976 to 1996. He coached Orkay Silk Mills team for a short period. After retirement, he floated Careerline Travel Consultant Pvt Ltd in Mumbai. His son is also a soccer player.

P.P. Thobias, former Santosh Trophy player and Deputy Commandant in Kerala police remembered him as a gentle man in ground and widely appreciated defence player

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> Sports> Football / by Jeemon Jacob, Thiruvananthapuram / June 06th, 2020

Fazal R Khaleel replaces Raghuram Bhat as Karnataka’s chief selector

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

The Karnataka State Cricket Association took this decision during their managing committee meeting on Friday.

Fazal R Khaleel

BENGALURU: Former Karnataka batsman Fazal R Khaleel was appointed as the new chairman of selectors for the men’s state team, replacing Raghuram Bhat for the top post. The Karnataka State Cricket Association took this decision during their managing committee meeting on Friday.

Khaleel is not new to the senior team as he was a part of the last selection committee too. “The good part is all these players, be it Karun Nair, Manish Pandey, KL Rahul – I have seen them from U-15 days, so I find it easier to talk to them and explain things and they also may also find it easy to approach me,” Khaleel told this daily. He has also been appointed as the chairman of selectors for the U-23 side. Anand P Katti, a member of the senior team’s selection committee, is the chief selector for the U-19 side.

“It is good to have selectors in different age groups so that the feedback comes in and that can be discussed in the selection meeting. We will know who are the youngsters that are doing well and the bench strength can be known,” added Khaleel.

Yere Goud ( head coach) and Sreenath Aravind (assistant and bowling coach) will continue with their respective role for next season as well. However, there is no clarity about the domestic season and also when players can start their practice due to Covid-19 pandemic. KSCA is awaiting for the next set of guidelines before they decide upon any cricket activities.

“We are working on the calendar. But, as of now, we are waiting for the guidelines from the government, regarding lockdown 5.0. Based on that only, we are going to take a final call ,” said treasurer Vinay Mruthyunjaya.

Selection Committee

Men: Chairman: Fazal R Khaleel. Members: B Siddaramu, Anand P Katti, Ramesh Hejmadi. Head coach: Yere Goud, Assistant and bowling coach: Sreenath Arvind

Women: Chairperson: D Jayashree. Members: Mukta Alegeri, Leena Prasad, PJ Hemalatha. Coach: Mamatha Maben.

Secretary and Convenor: Santosh Menon (for both teams)

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Ashim Sunam / Express News Service / May 30th, 2020

Feature film on biker Anam Hashim announced

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH / Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Titled ‘Anam’, Saumitra’s upcoming film is about a 21-year old girl who does stunts as a sport. The film is inspired by the life of Anam Hashim, a female bike stunt performer and rider.

The tagline of the film reads ‘a bike doesn’t know your gender’. The story is conceptualized by Anam and penned by Namneesh Sharma.

Director Saumitra Singh, who had earlier helmed the award-winning short films The Wallet and Painful Pride, is gearing up for his feature debut.

Titled Anam, Saumitra’s upcoming film is about a 21-year old girl who does stunts as a sport. The film is inspired by the life of Anam Hashim, a female bike stunt performer and rider.

The tagline of the film reads ‘a bike doesn’t know your gender’. The story is conceptualized by Anam and penned by Namneesh Sharma. While the cast is yet to be locked, an A-list actor will be a part of it, the makers shared.

“I have been working on this idea for quite some time now. However, I was busy making and promoting my two short films but been working on Anam simultaneously. The script has come out well and I can’t wait to start making it,” Saumitra says.

In 2015, Anam became the youngest woman to ride to Khardung La mountain pass on a TVS scooty for the Himalayan Highs initiative. Her achievement was included in the India Book of Records.Speaking about her journey, Anam shares, “While growing up as a kid, I always was someone who was inclined towards cycles, bikes and cars. Eventually, I discovered my love for bikes and stunts through the internet. 

My journey began by trying to learn how to do wheelies on others bike and it gave me enough confidence to even get my own bike. While I was finishing my 12th, I was very sure of what I wanted to do in life, stunt riding/street bike freestyle.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Hindi / by Express News Service / May 29th, 2020