UK
UK: Launch of Groundbreaking South Asians in Rugby League Insight Report. The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) recently hosted a landmark event at Bradford’s iconic City Hall to launch the much-anticipated South Asians in Rugby League Insight Report. Commissioned by the Rugby Football League (RFL), this report explores the participation of South Asians in rugby league and provides strategic recommendations to promote inclusivity, engagement, and representation within the sport.
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The event, held in the heart of Bradford, featured an impressive lineup of speakers and attendees, reflecting the significance of this milestone for rugby league and the South Asian community.
A Stellar Lineup of Contributors
Dignitaries included the Lord Mayors of Bradford and Leeds, who emphasised the importance of community cohesion. Prominent figures from the rugby league world also shared their insights. These included:
- Ben Abberstein, Senior EDI Partner at Rugby Football League (RFL)
- Ian Stafford, Commercial Manager of Bradford Bulls
- Tony Sutton, Chief Executive of RFL
Tony Sutton’s closing remarks encapsulated the event’s spirit, while each speaker reinforced the report’s call to action for inclusivity and diversity.
An Insightful Presentation
The report’s findings and objectives were presented by Dr. Hanif Malik OBE, whose expert hosting underscored the importance of integrating rugby league into diverse communities. Dr. Malik set the tone for a forward-thinking discussion on the strategies outlined in the report.
Young leaders like Nimrah Gul of Halifax Panthers, a recent Rising Star award recipient, and teenagers Bibi Aisha and Aizah Hussain from the 20:20 Foundation captivated the audience with their inspiring stories. They shared how their involvement in rugby league leadership programmes has bolstered their confidence, highlighting the transformative power of the sport.
Honouring Contributions
One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the Outstanding Community Excellence award to Starr Zaman, co-founder of the 20:20 Foundation. This accolade, presented by the Lord Mayors and Tony Sutton, recognised Zaman’s unwavering dedication to community engagement and inclusivity in rugby league.
Industry Voices on the Report
Dr. Ikram Butt, founder of BARA, reflected on the report’s significance, stating:
“Today not only marks a significant milestone in our continuous effort to integrate rugby league into the cultural fabric of diverse communities, but it also sets a strategic path forward. We are inspired by the commitment shown by everyone involved and look forward to the impact this report will have on our sport.”
Ken Davy, Former Chairman of Super League and Chair of Huddersfield Giants, shared his thoughts in the report’s foreword:
“I am deeply honoured to contribute to this significant report. As the former Chairperson of Super League, I have long been immersed in the development and expansion of rugby league from its historic roots in Huddersfield. Our club is profoundly committed to fostering inclusivity and has spearheaded several initiatives that set benchmarks for community engagement within our sport.
“I urge all stakeholders in rugby league to embrace the call to action outlined in this report. It is imperative that we not only celebrate diversity but also actively implement strategies that ensure inclusivity is at the heart of our sport.”
Looking Ahead
RFL Chief Executive Tony Sutton applauded the event’s success:
“It’s fantastic. It was a wonderful event this afternoon. It’s wonderful to hear some of the stories, especially from some of the girls who have been involved in the programmes.”
The South Asians in Rugby League Insight Report represents a pivotal step toward building a more inclusive and representative future for the sport. With the support of leaders, players, and the wider community, rugby league is poised to break barriers and foster a stronger sense of belonging for all.
This event at City Hall in Bradford will be remembered as a rallying call for change, inspiring the next generation to embrace rugby league as a sport for everyone.
