Tag Archives: Indian Muslims in Sports

Muslims who dominated headlines in 2021

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INDIA :

Danish Siddiqui in Afghanistan

As the year draws to an end, we have compiled a brief list of the Indian Muslims who have been in news during 2021.

Danish Siddiqui :

Danish Siddiqui was a Pulitzer Award winning photojournalist from New Delhi, who was killed by Taliban while covering the war in Afghanistan. An alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, Siddiqui was one of the country’s most well known photographers who documented the Rohingya refugee crisis, Covid deaths and the Delhi riots to win several awards. In July 2021, Reuters assigned him documentation of the Afghanistan War as an embedded journalist with Afghan Special Forces. On July 16, Siddiqui was killed in action. Governments of India, USA, Afghanistan and United Nations expressed grief and shock on his death and thousands joined his funeral procession in DelhI.

Dr Shahid Jameel :

Dr. Shahid Jameel is a world renowned virologist and is one of the leaders of India’s fight against Covid-19. The Covid-19 outbreak has thrown new challenges to the scientific community. When the Government of India set up an Indian Sars-Cov-2 Genomics Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG), which consists of 38 laboratories to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2, Jameel was appointed as the head of its scientific advisory group. He served the INSACOG in this position till May, 2021 and still advises different government and non-government bodies in strategising the war against Covid-19. 

Coach Naseem Ahmed with Olympian Neeraj Chopra

Naseem Ahmed :

Naseem Ahmed: On 7 August, 2021, Neeraj Chopra threw Javelin for 87.58 mts. and became the first Indian to win an Olympic Gold in track and field events. With this success, Naseem Ahmed of Panchkula also hit the headlines. Ahmed was his first coach, who coached Chopra for almost six years at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula. It was under his guidance that Chopra turned into an athlete from a chubby child. After returning to India, Chopra went to meet and receive blessings from his coach.

Mohammad Shareef alias Shareef Chacha receiving Padma Shri from President Ran Nath Kovind

Mohammad Shareef :

Mohammad Shareef is a bicycle mechanic from Faizabad, Ayodhya and hit the news headlines this year for receiving Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, from the President Ram Nath Kovind. In 1992, his son was murdered and was eaten by animals as nobody claimed it. This incident moved him so much that he took it upon himself to perform the last rights of unclaimed dead bodies. In the last 28 years, he has performed the last rights of more than 25,000 unclaimed dead bodies according to their religions.

Firoz Alam as an IPS officer (Left) and as a Constable of the Delhi Police (Right)

Firoz Alam :

Firoz Alam’s story is straight out of a fiction, where his character bears resemblance to those played on screen by several film stars. Alam, a resident of Hapur in U.P, was a constable with Delhi Police since 2010. In 2014, he started preparing for UPSC CSE. The work pressure and family responsibilities did not allow him to devote full time to the studies, like many availing coachings could do. After five unsuccessful attempts, in his sixth attempt he qualified UPSC CSE and joined as an IPS officer. His inspiring journey from a constable to IPS had taken the nation by a storm when he joined the training after leaving the job as constable.

Sadaf Choudhary 

Sadaf Choudhary :

Sadaf Choudhary came into limelight when the UPSC CSE results were declared in September and she secured 23rd rank. She was the highest rank holder among Muslims this year and will become an IAS officer. It must be kept in mind that since independence only 179 Muslims have secured ranks to get IAS allotted to them.

Mohammed Siraj praying at the gave of his father

Mohammed Siraj :

Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer from Hyderabad who made it to the headlines in January by becoming the highest wicket taker from India during the India – Australia Test Match Series in Australia. To claim his 13 scalps, he played only three of the four tests in the series. The fact that his father had died just before the series and he was given an option to return to the country, which he declined citing his commitment to the nation made it even more special.

In the last test match at Brisbane, he bagged five Australian wickets to script a historic win and became a national hero. The headlines of the sports column were filled with his heroics, commitment and ability. Since then he has been a regular feature of the Indian Cricket team as a pacer. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / December 30th, 2021

Grand double for Ishaan, Shonal, Rivaan,and Shiv

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA /Pune, Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

The winners in various categories, standing from left, Shonal, Rivaan, and Shiv Tummala. Sitting: Ishaan. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ishaan Madesh, a seven-time National champion across various categories, held off his sibling Rohaan in both the Pre-Finals and Finals in the Senior Max class for a grand double in the second round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore on Sunday.

Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode (Birel Art India) and Pune’s Arafat Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won the Finals and the Pre-Finals respectively in the Junior Max category.

Expectedly, Chennai’s Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) dominated the newly introduced Mini Max category, winning both the Finals and the Pre-Finals to complete a double, as did Shiv Tummala from Bengaluru (Peregrine Racing), who was an equally facile winner in the Micro Max class, where he comfortably held off his rivals.

The results (provisional):

Senior Max: Finals (20 laps): 1. Ishaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) 15mins, 06.320s, 2. Arjun Vijay Chheda (Crest Motorsports) 15:14.080, 3. Rohaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) 15:15.424.

Pre-Finals (15 laps): 1. Ishaan 11:24.689, 2. Rohaan 11:34.956, 3. Laksh Manish Bafna (Kart Crew Motorsports) 11:35.157.

Junior Max: Finals (18 laps): 1. Shonal Kunimal (Birel Art India) 13:51.050, 2. Eshanth Vengatesan (MSPORT) 13:53.974, 3. B. Kumar Gowda (Rayo Racing) 14:04.270.

Pre-Finals (16 laps): 1. Arafath Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) 12:04.909, 2. Hridaan Sanadhya (Crest Motorsports) 12,21.680, 3. Shonal 12:24.750.

Mini Max: Finals (16 laps): 1. Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) 12:31.339, 2. Hamza Balasinorwala (Crest Motorsports) 12:35.028, 3. Yatharth Gaur (Leapfrog Racing) 12:35.630.

Pre-Finals (14 laps): 1. Rivaan 10:59.312, 2. Yatharth 11:04.510, 3. Danish Dalmiya (Rayo Racing) 11:14.365.

Micro Max: Finals (13 laps): 1. Shiv Tummala (Peregrine Racing) 10:34.726, 2. Zidaan Arshaan Anees (Peregrine Racing) 10:39.957, 3. Aarav Surekha (Rayo Racing) 10:40.030.

Pre-Finals (12 laps): 1. Shiv Tummala 09:43.943, 2. Zidaan 09:47.055, 3. Aarav 09:54.239.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Motorsport / by Sports Bureau / August 04th, 2025

Mohammad Raza Khan to Represent India in Youth Basketball Championship in Maldives

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Shahpura (Jaipur District) , RAJASTHAN :

A Muslim youth from Shahpura, Rajasthan, earns place in Indian youth basketball squad for South Asian Championship, inspiring local community and proving that dedication overcomes all challenges

New Delhi :

In a proud moment for both Rajasthan and the Muslim community, Mohammad Raza Khan, a young basketball player from Shahpura town, has been selected to represent India in the Youth Basketball Championship. His achievement has filled his family and local community with joy and hope.

Mohammad Raza Khan will participate in the South Asian Basketball Championship scheduled to take place in the Maldives on une 11. His selection to the Indian youth basketball team highlights not only his talent but also the determination and hard work that have brought him this far.

Raza Khan has been training hard at the Indian team’s camp in Indore, where he impressed coaches and selectors with his skills and discipline. “Raza showed remarkable focus and commitment during the training sessions,” said one of the coaches at the camp. “His talent is clear, and he deserves this opportunity to shine for India.”

News of Raza Khan’s selection was met with great happiness in Shahpura. Local residents, relatives, and sports fans gathered at his home to congratulate his father, Shabbir Hussain Khan. “We are very proud of Raza. His success is a shining example for all young people in our community,” said a neighbour. The atmosphere in Shahpura has been full of celebration and encouragement.

Mohammad Raza Khan comes from a humble middle-class family. Despite limited resources, his dedication, discipline, and passion for basketball have been unwavering. His journey serves as a strong reminder that with hard work and determination, barriers can be overcome.

Raza Khan’s achievement is also a proud moment for the Jaisalmer Academy, from where he hails. He is the ninth player from this academy to earn a place on the Indian basketball team, which speaks volumes about the academy’s contribution to nurturing young talent.

“The selection of Mohammad Raza Khan is a moment of great pride for Rajasthan and especially for the Muslim community,” said a local sports official. “His success shows that talent and commitment are found everywhere, regardless of background or economic condition.”

Residents of Shahpura are confident that Raza will not only represent India with distinction but also bring home a gold medal from the championship. “We all believe that Raza will make the country proud,” said a sports enthusiast in the town. “He is determined and ready to give his best on the international stage.”

Mohammad Raza Khan’s rise to the national team sends a strong message about the potential of young Indian Muslims in sports and other fields. It challenges negative stereotypes and shines a light on the hard work and talents often overlooked in smaller towns and communities.

This young athlete’s story encourages many others to follow their dreams, showing that with persistence, even those from modest beginnings can reach national and international levels of success.

Mohammad Raza Khan prepares to take part in the South Asian Basketball Championship, the hopes and prayers of Shahpura and Rajasthan go with him. His journey is a symbol of courage, dedication, and the bright future that awaits India’s youth when given equal opportunity.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / June 05th, 2025

‘With technique, not muscle’: How kettlebell lifting helped a 28-year-old flip the script

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Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

From a modest Kolkata gym to the world podium, kettlebell champion Danish Naushad lifts dreams without the weight of support — just sheer will.

Danish Naushad is raising the tricolour at an international level, one lift at a time / All pictures by Soumyajit Dey

In 2017, Danish Naushad was training for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and following standard hypertrophy routines at a modest Kolkata gym. It was there that a chance encounter with a little-known piece of equipment — a kettlebell — set him on a path he had never imagined.

“A trainer named Saikat introduced me to it. It was kept in a dusty corner. We started with swings, and I found it refreshing, different,” said 28-year-old Danish.

Kettlebell: The unseen sport

Kettlebell lifting — or Girevoy Sport as it’s known in Russia — is an endurance-based strength sport. Unlike Olympic weightlifting that focuses on one-rep max lifts, kettlebell events run for 10 minutes or more, demanding relentless reps without setting the weight down.

Danish Naushad practicing at his home gym

“You need technique, lungs, and legs — not just muscle. That’s what people don’t understand,” Danish explained.

From NDA dream to a new calling

Danish was on track to join the NDA but couldn’t pursue it due to personal reasons. He fell into depression and briefly left home. But his family pulled him back — and his gym community, too. “My gym owner said, why not go ahead with fitness? That changed my life.”

He became a certified trainer under NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and began coaching clients worldwide. Danish is also a certified strength training specialist under ISSA (International Sport Sciences Association). He reinvested his earnings into his athletic journey — even selling his dream Kawasaki Z900 to build a home gym.

Early Failures and the Ego Check

Danish’s raw strength took him through his first competitions, but failure at a 2018 state meet — where he only received a participation certificate — deeply affected him. “That shook me. I was overconfident, relying only on my shoulders.”

Danish built his home gym by selling off his dream bike, a Kawasaki Z900

That humbling led him to coach Arnab Sarkar, a pioneer of the kettlebell sport in India. “From 2019, real training began. I learnt that patience and technique matter more than brute strength.”

National records and online competitions

Danish’s breakthrough came in 2020 with a national record of 155 jerks using double 16 kg bells. When Covid hit, he embraced the new normal — online competitions.

“We hosted the world’s first online kettlebell championship from India. Judged live over video calls. Over 100 athletes joined. It kept the sport alive.”

Setbacks and redemption

In 2022, a missed visa meant he couldn’t compete at the IGSF (International Gira Sport Foundation) World Championship in Greece. But luck turned when the IUKL(International Union of Kettlebell Lifting) hosted a world event in Delhi later that year. Danish won bronze — his first world medal.

From missing a tournament due to visa issues to securing gold at the next, Danish’s story is an inspiring one

He followed that up with an emotional win at the 2024 IKMF (International Kettlebell Marathon Federation) World Championship in Denmark, clinching gold in the double pentathlon — an event he hadn’t prioritised. “I was shocked. I was going to the washroom and heard my name being called.”

Spain 2025: Against the odds

Preparing for Spain’s 2025 IKMF Championship, Danish dropped nearly 8kg in weight and doubled down on training. He lifted 52 reps in the 40 kg event — a personal best, finishing fourth against heavier European lifters.

Danish posing with his most recent gold won at Spain’s IKMF Championship 2025

But once again, it was the pentathlon — the side event — where he struck gold. “The event I didn’t bet on gave me the biggest reward. It’s always like that.”

Kettlebell in India: No support, all heart

Despite multiple international medals, Danish receives no government support. “There’s no funding, no recognition. We pay for our own visas, travel, gear.”

He dreams of a future where kettlebell lifters are backed by the government like in Russia — where athletes are promoted in the army or railways for their achievements. “Here, we don’t even get a pat on the back. But we keep going.”

Training the next generation

Danish now coaches aspiring athletes, including those who can’t afford international travel. “I’ve taken athletes to nationals on my own dime. One under-60 kg lifter I train could be among India’s best.”

He sustains himself as a full-time online coach, training clients across the US, Mexico, and Canada via Zoom. “I do assessments, build personalised programs — some people just have a rope or dumbbell at home. I make it work.”

Faith, focus and Bernabeu dreams

Danish credits his spiritual journey — one that deepened post-Ramzan in 2024 — for helping him stay grounded. “I pray before every event. Not to win, but to not come back sad. That matters more.”

Danish has his gold winning jersey from Denmark framed. His idol is Cristiano Ronaldo and being able to see Real Madrid’s stadium was a dream come true for him

In Spain, he fulfilled a childhood dream — visiting Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. “The quote I remember is, ‘The jersey can be stained with blood, sweat, and mud — but never with shame.’ That’s how I see my Indian jersey too.”

The road ahead: Hungary and beyond

Next stop: Hungary, for the IKMF World Championship in November 2025. For now, he’s training without a coach — building his own programs and aiming to hit CMS (Candidate for Master of Sport) and then MSWC, the highest global kettlebell rank.

“We dream of beating a Russian in Russia one day,” he says with a smile. “That’s the moment we’ll know we’ve done something.”

A final word

Danish has made his aspirations clear and he hopes backing will come at some point in his career

Eight years into his journey, Danish Naushad still doesn’t consider himself accomplished. “When I win a world medal under the Indian flag — with government recognition — only then will I say I’ve made it.”

Until then, the man from Kolkata will keep lifting. Not just weights — but the hopes of a sport still struggling for a place under India’s sporting sun.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata> People / by Debrup Chaudhuri / June 25th, 2025

Ilaf Abdul Qadir: 9-Year-Old Martial Arts Prodigy Sets Guinness World Record

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Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru:

At just nine, Ilaf Abdul Qadir made history by achieving a Guinness World Record for nonstop kata in karate. His remarkable feat took place at the WKMA Open Karate Championship 2025, in Chennai on February 8, where he performed a 30-minute uninterrupted kata, showcasing endurance, discipline, and skill.

A third-grade student at Presidency School, Mangaluru, Qadir proved age is no barrier to excellence. His relentless training earned him both a world record and a gold medal in Kumite. He is the youngest contestant from Dakshina Kannada to compete, setting a benchmark for young athletes.

Born to Mohammed Musthafa and Asiya Juveria, Qadir’s success stems from rigorous training and commitment. He hones his skills under trainers Nadeem and Zakiya Yasmeen from the SHORIN RYU KARATE ASSOCIATION, Moodbidri. Their mentorship and his determination shaped him into an exceptional athlete.

Expressing gratitude, Qadir credited his coaches, parents, and school. “It was tough, but I wanted to push myself and prove hard work makes anything possible,” he said. His record-setting performance demanded stamina, precision, and mental strength, which he displayed effortlessly.

Qadir’s success brings pride to his family and inspires young martial artists. His journey proves determination, discipline, and guidance turn dreams into reality. Aspiring to compete internationally, he aims to bring more laurels to India.

With his name in the Guinness World Records, Ilaf Abdul Qadir stands as an inspiration for young athletes, proving that hard work leads to greatness.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 16th, 2025

City kickboxers excel in State Championship

Karnataka (under research project), Sports, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Kickboxers of Elite Academy won 7 gold medals in State-level Kickboxing Championship-2024 held at Yuvaraja’s College in city recently.

The medal winners — (from left) Mohammed Junaid (Gold medal in Junior category), Riya-ul-arab (Gold medal in Tatami Mat Kick Light event), Abu Shama (Gold medal in Children’s category), Simra Khan (Gold medals in Kick Light and Light Contact events), Abdul Muheebudin (Gold medal in Tatami Mat Kick Light event) & Mohammed Adnaan (Gold medal in Junior category) — are seen with Elite Academy Director Sameena Tabbasum and Academy Founder & Head Coach Mohammed Farjath Iyaz.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> PhotoNews / August 21st, 2024

‘Bharat Ke Anmol Ratan’ awardee bodybuilder Mohtesham Ali felicitated

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Khan is a professional bodybuilder from Hyderabad and has earned many national and international titles including a silver medal in Mr World Body Building Championship, in the heavyweight category.

 Internationally acclaimed Bodybuilder Mir Mohtesham

Hyderabad:

A celebration was held in Hyderabad’s Media Plus Auditorium to celebrate Mohtesham Ali Khan, who received the prestigious national award ‘Bharat Ke Anmol’ for his journey of determination, perseverance, and excellence in the realm of bodybuilding and fitness.

Khan is a professional bodybuilder from Hyderabad and has earned many national and international titles including a silver medal in Mr World Body Building Championship, in the heavyweight category.

The event which was held on Sunday, August 14, witnessed the presence of dignitaries and supporters who gathered to honour Khan’s accomplishments.

The chief guest Abdul Khayyum Khan, minority affairs advisor for the government lauded Khan’s unwavering commitment to his craft.

Other prominent figures including AIMIM leader Ather Farooqui, BRS leader Khaleequr Rahman, Pathergatti Corporator, Syed Sohail Quadri and chairman of Vandhe Bharat, Ramesh Eppalapalli were also present at the event.

The felicitation ceremony was organised by the founder and CEO of Ethos Imagination, Varaprasad who emphasised that the evening was not merely a tribute to Mir Mohtesham Ali Khan’s individual accomplishments but also a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.

At the event, Khan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey and stood by him both during challenges and triumphs.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Sayma Ahmed / August 13th, 2023

Oman boys emerge champions

Amazing Feats, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA / OMAN:

Rahil Habibulla-led team trounce Hong Kong, China by 100 runs in the final of ICC Men’s U19 CWC Asia Division 2 Qualifier in Bangkok.

Muscat :

A dominating performance by Oman boys was capped with a spectacular victory in the final of the ICC Men’s U19 Asia Division 2 Qualifier as they routed Hong Kong, China by 100 runs at the TERD Thai Cricket ground in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday.

Both Oman and Hong Kong, China, had already qualified for the ICC Men’s U19 Asia Division 1 ahead of the final. Tuesday’s victory for Rahil Habibulla-led Oman meant that the boys kept a clean slate in the tournament, winning a total of five games on the trot.

Rahil Daniyal Habibulla Of Oman receives the winning trophy during the Final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier match between Hong Kong China and Oman held at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, Thailand on March 5, 2024. Photo by: Deepak Malik / Creimas RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
Nitish Nadendla Of Oman receives Player of the Tournament award during the presentation of the Final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier match between Hong Kong China and Oman held at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, Thailand on March 5, 2024. Photo by: Deepak Malik / Creimas RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
Saumya Bhavin Sampat Of Oman receives Player of the Match award during the presentation of the Final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier match between Hong Kong China and Oman held at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, Thailand on March 5, 2024. Photo by: Deepak Malik / Creimas RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

In the final, Oman’s Saumya Sampat stood out with his all-round performance as he missed a half-century (48 off 80 balls) in the team’s total of 249/5 in the allotted 50 overs.

Saumya then excelled with the ball as he picked up three wickets for 25 to be deservingly named the player of the final as Hong Kong, China, were restricted to 149/9.

Opting to bat first, Oman, coached by Syed Aamir Kaleem, rode on two century partnerships to set up a total to defend.

Oman players celebrate after winning the Final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Division 2 Qualifier match between Hong Kong China and Oman held at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, Thailand on March 5, 2024. Photo by: Vipin Pawar / Creimas RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

First, it was a 108-run second-wicket stand between Jeet Shah (50, 99 balls) and Saumya and then it was the unbroken 104-run sixth-wicket partnership between Nitish Nadendla (51 n.o., 35 balls) and Rohan Ramachandran (49 n.o., 53 balls) that saw Oman post a total of 249/5.

Both Rohan and Nitish  took over the run-charge after the fall of Rahil in the 37th over and slammed more than 100 runs in the next 13 overs with ten boundaries and a six.

Harry Hodgson and Arya Panjwani claimed two wickets each for Hong Kong.

Chasing a tough target, Hong Kong stumbled early on as they were down to 17/2 in the fourth over. Two quick wickets by the tenth over had Hong Kong reeling at 45/4 with Saumya, Varshieth Dinesh, Puladith Ralalage and Prathiesh Ramesh among wickets.

Mathew Clayton fought a lone battle with a half-century (50) as Oman bowlers picked wickets at regular intervals to restrict their rivals to 149/9 in 50 overs.

Aarez Dar (28), Arya Panjwani (15), and Rishan Shah (18) were the only other batters to get to double digits.

Oman tried out as many as eight bowlers and seven of them were successful with Saumya taking three. Varshieth, Puladith, Arya Sampat, Prathiesh, Gaurav Dinesh and Rohan Ramachandran claimed a wicket apiece.

Earlier, Oman had topped Group B with three straight wins as they beat Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China and Bhutan to make it to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, Oman got the better of Malaysia before coming up with yet another stellar display to keep their winning streak.

Oman’s Nitish Nadendla was adjudged Player of the Tournament for scoring 164 runs in 5 innings.

Brief scores: Oman 249/5 in 50 overs (Jeet Shah 50, Saumya Sampat 48, Rohan Ramachandran 49 n.o., Nitish Nadendla 51 n.o.; Harry Hodgson 2/45, Arya Panjwani 2/51) beat Hong Kong, China 149/9 in 50 overs (Aarez Dar 28, Mathew Clayton 50; Saumya Sampat 3/25).

source: http://www.thearabianstories.com / The Arabian Stories / Home> Sports News / by TAS News Service / March 05th, 2024

Wazeer Ahmad Khan is Asian 65+ Champion

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Rampur, UTTAR PRADESH:

The Myanmar Chess Federation organized the Asian Seniors Championship 2016 from 27 October to 04 November at Hotel Hazel, Mandalay, Myanmar.

The tournament was held in two categories — for players aged above 50 and 65. India’s 69-year-old IM Wazeer Ahmad Khan won the gold in the 65+ category where 18 players competed.

The tournament had 56 players from 12 countries competing for the medals. We have a quick report.

Wazeer Ahmad Khan is Asian Seniors 65+ Champion

69-years-old IM Wazeer Ahmad Khan of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh is the Asian Seniors 65+ Champion. He began the event as the fifth seed…


…but rampaged to a perfect 9.0/9 to claim the title.
Khan receiving his trophy from the Asian Chess Federation Secretary General Hisham Al Taher.
New Zealand’s CM Helen Milligan (2053; extreme left) was declared the women’s champion — she was the only woman competing in the entire 56-player event — while Myanmar’s Myint Han (2281; second from right) won the Asian Seniors 50+ Championship with 8.0/9.

New Zealand’s CM Helen Milligan (2053; extreme left) was declared the women’s champion — she was the only woman competing in the entire 56-player event — while Myanmar’s Myint Han (2281; second from right) won the Asian Seniors 50+ Championship with 8.0/9.

Final Ranking after 9 Rounds (65+)

Rk.SNo NamesexFEDRtgPts. TB1  TB2  TB3 
15IMWazeer Ahmad Khan IND18479,00,049,538,5
214 Saw Kyaw Nyein MYA06,50,047,035,0
31 Gibbons Robert NZL19546,01,045,036,5

Final Ranking after 9 Rounds (50+)

Rk.SNo NamesexFEDRtgPts. TB1  TB2  TB3 
13 Myint Han MYA22818,00,037,5433,0
21IMLodhi Mahmood PAK23407,50,539,5419,0
37IMMohandesi Shahin IRI21997,50,537,5410,5

source: http://www.chessbase.in / Chess Base / Home> India / by Priyadarshan Banjan / December 10th, 2016

Asian Games: Mumbai’s hijab-clad woman named ‘Officiating Referee’ for Karate

Amazing Feats, Sports, Uncategorized, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

The hijab-clad Karate maestro Shaheen Akhtar, 52, barely looks what she is — a 4-time National Champion in Karate, chopping her way surgically in all top events worldwide, is now appointed the first and only woman ‘Officiating Referee’ at the ongoing 19th Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games in China.

Packing up her bags to serve as the International Technical Official or Officiating Referee, Shaheen is a smiling but simple granny whose daughter Sana Hava and son Ayaan Ansari are also National Champions in Karate.

She learned her first Karate kicks, stances, punches, blocks and chops aged 13 while a schoolgirl at the Christ Church School, Byculla, excelled while studying for her B.Com degree from H.R. College, Churchgate and loved it enough to make it a full-fledged professional career as a ‘karateka’.

Over four decades since, she has punched her way from Youth League to Premier League to South Asian Championships to Asian Championships to Commonwealth Championships to World Championship events globally, earning medals and honours for her discipline and laurels for the nation, both as a participant and as a referee.

“In Hangzhou, I shall be the Officiating Referee for all events of Karate at the men’s and women’s events scheduled between October 5-7, with top champions participating from 42 Asian countries… It’s a very crucial responsibility,” said Shaheen softly, in a chat with IANS.

Discussing her upcoming challenges as Officiating Referee, Shaheen said that “handling pressure” will be the most critical part of her assignment — when over two billion pairs of eyes from all over Asia will scrutinise her every move and decision.

“All countries are coming there and vying for the medals… Besides the top-class champions from all countries in the ring, there will be top games experts from different countries, sports officials, VIPs, judges and viewers in the stadium and at their homes… Any wrong decision on my part can lead to havoc right inside the stadium,” Shaheen added.

Inside the ring, when the medal-hungry champions from different competing nations would be lunging at each other, the experience will be another trial even for Shaheen, herself an established and acclaimed figure in the sport.

“My job will be to control these rivals in the ring, command them to obey and adhere to the rules of the games, if they falter then there are levels of warnings, penalties, etc. to rein them in… And all under the watchful eyes of many,” Shaheen smiled.

Only on rare occasions, the moderator ‘Kansa’ (Match Supervisor) intervenes and also equally rarely the ‘third umpire’ or the video review supervisor, mainly while appealing for points is resorted to, she explained patiently, without clenching her deadly fists or flailing her arms.

In her new role, the former 4-time National Champion, 6-time Maharashtra Champion, a 8th Degree Black-Belt holder, Shaheen is also the highest and most qualified World Karate Federation and Asian Karate Federation female Referee in the country and in South Asia.

Now, Shaheen is passing on the baton to the gen-next through SAMA (Shaheen’s Academy of Martial Arts) affiliated to Karate India Organisation, and striving to groom future state-national-international champions and referees.

“I hope my long journey inspires the younger generations to take up Karate as a serious and viable career option… India has tremendous untapped potential and there could be many young champs waiting in the wings to grab their moment of glory given the right opportunity…I am always here to help anybody,” Shaheen declared.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> India> Indian Muslims> Sports / September 25th, 2023