UK
British Asian Duo Krumesh Patel and Salma Bi BEM Triumph at 2026 Sporting Equals Awards: British Asian excellence shone brightly at the 2026 Sporting Equals Awards, as Krumesh Patel and Salma Bi BEM secured two of the most prestigious community-focused honours at the ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on 18 April.
While rugby stars Maro Itoje and Sadia Kabeya MBE claimed the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year titles respectively, it was the recognition of grassroots heroes from within the South Asian community that underscored the awards’ mission to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across British sport.
England Athletics Coach of the Year: Krumesh Patel
Krumesh Patel was named England Athletics Coach of the Year, celebrated for his outstanding dedication to nurturing athletic talent at the grassroots level. Patel’s coaching philosophy emphasizes accessibility and representation, helping young British Asian athletes find their place in a sport where South Asian participation has historically been low.
His award reflects years of behind-the-scenes work building confidence, technique, and competitive opportunity for aspiring runners, jumpers, and throwers from diverse backgrounds. Speaking after the ceremony, Patel said: “This award is not just for me – it’s for every young British Asian athlete who has been told that athletics isn’t for them. We are here, and we belong.”
The FA Community Champion of the Year: Salma Bi BEM
Salma Bi BEM received The FA Community Champion of the Year award for her transformative work in making football inclusive for underrepresented groups, particularly young Muslim girls and women from South Asian heritage.
Bi, who already holds a British Empire Medal for her community service, has been instrumental in breaking down cultural and religious barriers to participation. Through after-school programs, women-only sessions, and advocacy within football clubs, she has opened doors for hundreds of young players who previously felt excluded from the beautiful game.
Upon receiving her award, Bi said: “Every young girl who puts on a hijab and steps onto a football pitch deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. This award is for them.”
Progress Remains Fragile, Warn Leaders
Both winners exemplify the growing but still fragile progress of British Asians in UK sport. Despite the celebrations, leaders at the event struck a note of caution.
Dr Howard Haughton, Chair of Sporting Equals, emphasised the wider significance of the awards: “We are proud to celebrate those achieving excellence while actively shaping a more inclusive future, not just for sport, but for society as a whole. These awards recognise individuals and organisations who are not only succeeding at the highest level, but who are also challenging systemic barriers, opening doors and ensuring that progress in sport reflects the diversity, talent and potential of our wider communities.”
Phil Smith, Executive Director of Partnerships at Sport England, pointed to a more uncertain climate: “These awards feel especially meaningful right now. Across England, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are under pressure. Progress that once felt secure is being questioned, resources are tighter, and in too many places the importance of representation and fairness is being misunderstood or challenged. That makes the work we’re celebrating this evening not just important – but essential.”
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The ceremony also honoured lifetime achievements, with Maggie Alphonsi and Roland Butcher receiving Special Lifetime Achievement Awards for reshaping British sport. Beyond individual honours, community projects such as Tigers Engage and Together Tennis CIC – both known for work with South Asian communities – were recognised for widening access and opportunity.
If the night ultimately belonged to its winners, it also served as a reminder of the broader task ahead. The Sporting Equals Awards continue to spotlight success, but also the ongoing effort required to ensure sport reflects the diversity of the society it represents.
