2014 - ANOTHER YEAR TO REMEMBER FOR SALMA BI

AWARD-WINNING sportswoman and cricket ambassador Salma Bi ended 2013 on a real high as she married her dream partner and fellow philanthropist Sohail Mughal.

And 2014 has been just as eventful with local, national and even international success achieved by the Birmingham-based nurse, whose devotion to sport is unstinting.

JANUARY

This year began on an exciting note when Salma staged the unofficial Women's World Dodgeball Championship at the Birmingham Indoor Futsal Arena.

The event featured teams and players from Manchester, London, Brighton and Yorkshire and the overall winners were the Arctic Whales.

Funds were raised for a wonderful cause - Acid Survivors Trust International.

FEBRUARY

February saw Salma in the limelight when she featured in a two-page Profile Special in The Asian Today newspaper, a great supporter of our champion over the years.

In the article, Salma spoke a lot not just about her sport, but also her lifestyle, her work and recent marriage to Sohail, a head teacher in Pakistan who is endeavoring to bring better education facilities to the country.

Salma also revealed in February that there would be a thrilling new development in her annual T10 Indoor Cricket World Cup Tournament.

This year, the competition was to invite men's teams for the first time, and the event would support the Read Foundation.

A registered charity in the UK, Read Foundation originally started work in Pakistan and Kashmir where it runs 340 schools educating 80,000 children, employing 4,000 teachers and looking after 8,000 orphans, making it one of the largest educational NGOs of rural Pakistan.

MARCH

March was a busy month for Salma as she organised the T10 Tournament, which was to take place at the Birmingham Futsal Arena and host four women's and four men's teams.

APRIL

Saturday, April 5, saw 27 women take part in their T10 World Cup, featuring players from as far afield as London, Yorkshire, Walsall and Wales.

The overall winners were Australia, who finished with a 100% record and were deserved champions for a second year in a row. England, India and Pakistan also took part.

There were 24 men involved in their competition and it was the West Indies who emerged as winners, with South Africa and Bangladesh also participating.

MAY

March and April were all about T10 cricket - but May was all about outdoor cricket for Salma.

The first Asian woman to play for Worcestershire, the prolific wicket-taking off-spinner revealed in this month that she had landed a two-year sponsorship deal with SM Cricket, an internationally-renowned firm based in India, but with a base in England through Deal Direct (UK).

SM sponsored the legendary Sachin Tendulkar among others and Salma was also delighted to accept the contract as her husband bears the initials SM.

JUNE

This month saw Salma's cricket progress well, playing for Birmingham club Five Ways Old Edwardians and North Wales team Hawarden Park.

She also took part in an enthralling interview with the Muslim Sports Council, of which she is an ambassador alongside famous names like Saqlain Mushtaq (cricket) and boxers Danny Williams and Haroon Khan.

JULY

In July, Sohail Mughal spoke to this blog about his pride at his wife's cricket achievements and her being nominated in the Women in Cricket category at this year's inaugural Asian Cricket Awards.

AUGUST

Salma and Sohail launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to build a primary and secondary school in a deprived area of Pakistan for up to 1,000 children.

It was also announced that Salma was to organise a 30-hour non-stop futsal marathon in 2015 to raise funds for the school project.

SEPTEMBER

Salma opened her doors to prove her blogs and are not all about her, but embrace all sports people who want publicity - especially women.

We interviewed Ambreen Sadiq, an up and coming boxer from Keighley, Yorkshire, aiming to become the next Nicola Adams.

September was also the month to celebrate another amazing cricket season for Salma.

Her best bowling figures came when she represented Five Ways and opened the attack against Lutterworth CC, claiming 9-6-7-2.

She added to her list of honours when she represented Cheshire based on her performances for Hawarden Park CC.

Salma was also invited to represent southern team Club Cricket Conference against on-tour side Hong Kong, bagging 3-7 in six overs. She now looks forward to going on tour with CCC next year in Barbados.

For Hawarden, Salma made a career best score of 71 and helped the team win their T20 Cheshire League and Cup double.

OCTOBER

One of - if not THE greatest sporting achievement of Salma's life occurred in October.

At the first-ever Asian Cricket Awards staged at Lord's, Salma won the Women in Cricket category.

This delivered international recognition to the spin bowler, who has won many past plaudits and awards for getting more women involved in the sport.

She is not just a great player - she is also a tremendous ambassador for the game.

Player of the Year went to Worcestershire and England's Moeen Ali - so that just proves the quality of guest that graced this event.

For her achievement, Salma received media attention all over the world.

NOVEMBER

In November, Salma announced her 30-hour futsal marathon would be held at the Birmingham Futsal Arena on April 4 and 5, 2015.

She has already hosted and participated in 10-hour and 20-hour non-stop marathons at the same venue over the past two years, raising thousands of pounds for various charities.

This blog also revealed more this month about the main man in Salma's life - Sohail Mughal.

DECEMBER

Salma's main sporting achievements have been about cricket, but in December, Futsal took over the headlines!

The Great White Sharks, formed in 2011 and the first-ever all-Asian female team to compete in the Birmingham Women's Futsal League, won their first silverware when they finished top of the Championship, beating ABCDE FC in their final game.

Sharks had been relegated from the Premiership the previous season, but bounced right back in style, with Vicky Roe scoring an amazing 65 goals for the team.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Other highlights of 2014 for Salma were a place in the final of the Birmingham Sports Awards, plus a visit to Pakistan and a tour of Lahore PCB with Sohail.

Also, on December 20, Salma and Sohail celebrate a year of marriage. Congratulations!

WHAT A YEAR FOR SALMA BI! AND 2015 COULD BE EVEN BETTER!

WHO IS SOHAIL MUGHAL? READ ON........

Who is Sohail Mughal?

Recently we've heard about a new revolution in the sporting world and this is no ordinary setting - this Involves a sporting duo who are making a huge impact on and off the field!

Sohail Mughal has been nurtured in an environment where he learned the only way to succeed was to work for your goals.

Sohail went on to pursue his career in education. Now a postgraduate and master student Sohail has achieved more than what once looked impossible. 

His qualifications are as follows: Ssc.Fa.BA.B.ed

Sohail works for a charity organisation in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, as a senior head teacher employed for over four years providing education to over 600 primary school children and supporting numerous teachers to progress in their careers.

Sohail was once offered a police officer job whilst studying his law course but always had the passion to offer his gifted and talented character to the next generation to follow.

Recently Sohail completed his masters and is now part of the examining board setting up exam questions and pushing more potential students to better education.

When Sohail isn't presenting his education he has sport running in his blood.

He is a personal trainer at his local gymnasium, a fitness model, goes running and plays cricket as a batsman-wicket keeper.

You may have guessed it by now....

He is the perfect match and husband to national ambassador and multi-award winner Salma Bi.

Both husband and wife are full of positive vibes and determined to set a great example for generations to come. 

Leaving a legacy is what they look to do and that is through pushing on their dual project by building the Zain-Ul-Abideen public school which provides education for deprived orphaned children for years to follow. 

Sohail Mughal looks to share his expertise in getting the community together to fund for this great cause whilst Salma will continue to raise money by organising world record-breaking sports events.

When love and skill work together expect a masterpiece. 

Sohail and Salma both know how tough life can be.

Listed in this article are only the highlights of their achievements (read more about Salma's remarkable sporting career elsewhere on this blog) but they still continue to take lessons from all the downfalls they've had during the trying times. 

Good luck to the couple who are not only role models but also great personalities that we need to see more of!

DO NOT MISS THIS!

HERE COME THE GIRLS!

IT'S been two years since Sporting Pathways and MAD Productions brought to the city of Birmingham two unique Futsal events.

Why were they unique? Because they were record-breaking events!

In 2012, Salma Bi, a champion for women's sport, set up the first ever Women’s 10-Hours Non-Stop Futsal Event. 

The game totalled over more than 100 goals, and the success of the event convinced Salma to return a year later and set up an even bigger record - the ‘Return of Revenge Tour’ - which saw women come together and compete in a 20-Hour Futsal World Record Marathon.

Now three years on and after introducing over 300 women to the sport of futsal, hosting eight other sports tournaments including cricket and dodgeball, as well as raising money for various charities, Salma Bi has announced a women-only 30-Hours Futsal World Record Event which will take place on April 4 and 5, 2015.

This event will be the toughest to date and will require women from all over the country to compete and complete this world record! 

The non-stop futsal marathon is scheduled to begin Saturday, April 4, at 12am and finish on Sunday, April 5, at 7pm.

Salma, who also represents the Great White Sharks, a futsal team which first made history as the first Asian team in Birmingham League are heading to London for the National Qualifying Games in March, said: "This event has come back due to the high demand from women across Britain wanting to compete at a high level and break records. We are now recruiting players and encourage women to register their teams ASAP to avoid disappointment."

The event is open to women over the age of 14 and registration fees are £50 per player. 

As always this event will also be fundraising for a charitable cause. 

This year's national Asian Cricket Award winner Salma and husband/head teacher Sohail Mughal wish to build a school for orphan children in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

The money raised will be to help build the Zain-Ul-Abideen Public School.

Salma went on to say: “We need unlimited players of all abilities and women that are set to make history as well as achieve their personal goals.

"We are also looking for businesses to either sponsor or set up stalls at the event and anyone interested should contact us direct”.

So what are you waiting for?! Sign up Now & Join the Force of Women in Sport!!

Footnotes:

·         The event will take place in Birmingham Futsal Arena B19 2LF on Saturday 4^th April to Sunday 5^th April 7pm.

·         Deadline for applications will be Jan 18th 2015, Teams will be announced after this.

·         To register as a team or individual contact Halima Khan on 07849 980 226 or email halima_khan_21@hotmail.co.uk

·         For sponsorship enquiries and organisations who would like to get involved or set up a stall contact Halima Khan on the number and e-mail address above.

SALMA GIVES HER VIEWS ON WINNING "WOMAN IN CRICKET" AT THE FIRST ASIAN CRICKET AWARDS

Salma and Ian Anderson of Deal Direct

Salma and England cricketer Ian Bell
 

Salma and Sohail

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 LORD'S.....the famous ground in London where every cricketer dreams of making their debut.
A very special place, whether you are a player, spectator or get the chance to rub shoulders with the legends.
This night was a dream come true for Salma Bi as she gained international recognition by receiving the first ever WOMAN IN CRICKET accolade at the inaugural ASIAN CRICKET AWARDS.
Who would have thought all those years ago that a young girl with big aspirations would make her passion a reality?
Started off at school, rejected by her local county squad, minimum coaching and an uphill continuous struggle representing the game as a young Asian/Muslim girl.
Limited support from home as this was breaking barriers, not many Asian role models to look up to whilst growing up.
How times have changed for this determined and inspirational sportswoman.
On October 7 at Lord's Salma recalled her time playing at HQ alongside England great Claire Taylor for MCC v Japan.
The room was filled with many familiar faces and many who once discouraged Salma to continue as they said it takes a match-winner to strive so high.
Salma has never feared fear and perhaps that's why she is so successful today....
Outstanding Achievement at the British-Asian Sports Awards, Top Sportswoman at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, the list is endless.....a true pioneer for women's cricket.
Accompanied by sister Aisha Bi, Salma was overwhelmed to hear her name called out for the WOMEN IN CRICKET AWARD!.
When on stage Salma showed her appreciation for the support of all friends, family, coaches, sponsors and most importantly her husband Sohail Mughal.
She told the audience: "I sometimes attended training sessions without telling my family. I lost social contact with friends through my commitment to my sport.
"Making a balance of playing and working as a haemodialysis nurse has sometimes been difficult, but if you believe in something that strongly you should never give in as all is possible."
Salma added after the event: "When I was on stage, this was not just a moment I will relive for a lifetime, but a moment I realised I've become a pioneer icon, a voice for the women/girls in cricket.
"I didn't just represent myself, I was proud to be honoured on behalf on my parents, my family, my husband, my unborn children but most importantly I was inspiring the next generation to come through and leave a legacy behind."
Salma's sponsors Deal Direct and Sporting Equals were very close supporters for Salma on the night.
Salma added: "A big thank you to Asian Cricket Awards co-founder Baljit Rihal, Jas Jassal, Isa Guha, Club Cricket Conference and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who has encouraged me so much.
"I was most thrilled to see her my student and club player Simran Panesar bring her very first award home as Amateur Player of the Year."
Salma has truly deserved her latest major award after 12 years in the cricket world - we know Salma has made history again!

BELOW ARE ALL HER SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS....

SALMA BI - CREATING PATHWAYS BY MAKING HISTORY

COACHING THE NEXT GENERATION - Warwickshire Level 1 Umpire and Warwickshire Level 2+Club Coach
FIRST EVER MUSLIM/ASIAN SENIOR PLAYER - Worcestershire County Cricket Club senior women’s squad player - first Asian woman to represent the county.
PLAYED AT LORD' S VERSUS JAPAN AND HONG KONG - Marylebone Cricket Club representative player
LEADING SPIN WICKET TAKER IN ALL TEAMS - Five Ways Old Edwardians Cricket Club Women’s League and T20 side and men’s thirds senior player.
FIRST FEMALE PLAYER ALONGSIDE SISTER ANISHA BI - Wall Cricket Club Men’s squad player.
T20 PLAYER -  Tamworth Ladies
LED TO PROMOTION WITH PB 71 RUNS AS OPENING BATSMAN ALONGSIDE SISTER AISHA BI - Hawarden Park CC player and selected for Cheshire CC.
FUTSAL: FIRST ASIAN TEAM IN BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE - Great White Sharks team captain and goal-keeper.
CRICKET: INDOOR CHAMPIONS - Fiveways Zombies captain.
OUTDOOR FOOTBALL: Birch Coppice FC player and Football Futures goalkeeper.

MAJOR AWARDS....
FIRST NATIONAL AWARD PRESENTED BY DENISE LEWIS AND AMIR KHAN: British-Asian Sports Awards 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award winner.                         
British-Asian Sports Award 2010 Coach of the Year runner-up.
Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation Ambassador Awards - runner-up 2012.
Bradford Inspirational Women’s Awards 2013 -  runner-up.
BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT NATIONAL AWARD
Asian Women of Achievement - inaugural first ever Sport award winner 201
PRESENTED BY CLAIRE TAYLOR & CHARLOTTE EDWARDS: OSCA’s Nat West Volunteer of the Year Award 2012 Building Partnerships.
PRESENTED BY IAN BELL: Birmingham Sports Awards winner 2013.
Birmingham Sports Awards finalist 2014 - presented by Hannah England
Asian Cricket Awards 2014 - winner Women in Cricket Award. Presented by Noreen Khan, Isa Guha and Nihal.


SPECIALIST FULL TIME CAREER: Haemodialysis Renal Adult Nursing.
COMPANY DIRECTOR: Believe In MAD |Making A Difference| Founder 2012
PARTNERSHIP: Sporting Pathways Co-Founder (Community Interest Company).

CHARITY - PROLIFIC FUND-RAISER:
EVENT 1: Hosted First Ever Women's Futsal Marathon 10-Hour Non-stop Record 2012
EVENT 2: Hosted Women’s Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2012.
EVENT 3: Hosted Women’s Futsal Marathon 20-Hour Record 2012
EVENT 4: Hosted World Dodge Ball 2013.
EVENT 5: Hosted Women’s Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2013.
EVENT 6: Hosted World Dodge Ball 2014
EVENT 7: Hosted Women's Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2014
EVENT 8: Hosted Mens Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup 2014
Coming next.....                      
EVENT 9: To Host World Record of 30-hours Futsal Marathon 2015!!

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES - GET HER IN THE GAME - raising profiles, getting more youngsters involved in sport.
AMBASSADOR: Asian Cricket Awards, Muslim Sports Council and Deal Direct.                
MEDIA: Badman's Britain, BBC Asian Network, cricket pundit, Sky Sports, Oxford and Cambridge University, All-Out Magazine - national publication half-page feature, columnist for The Asian Today.            
CRICKET HIGHLIGHTS: Practice with England Women's squad training camp pre-Ashes series and bowled to Pakistan Women's batsmen during Ireland tour. Played Scotland, Wales and Holland on tour.
CRICKET SPONSOR: New revolution #SM New Kit #US100 Bat Inspired by Sachin Tendulkar.
MARRIAGE: 2014 - Salma weds head teacher, cricketer and fitness model SOHAIL MUGHAL. The couple are working on the Build A School Project for orphaned children in Pakistan.
Aims: Educate the poor, provide opportunities for female teachers.          
MAKING A DIFFERENCE CHARITY: Hosted eight events. Raised over 400 player profiles, encouraged sports on a national scale, raised thousands for various charities, earned numerous awards, medals.
QUOTES:                                   
When love and skill work together expect a #MasterPiece
Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny
#MakeUseOfYourTimeWisely #ThisIsJustTheStart #Believe

 CONTACT US-YouTube MadProductions Channel http://www.sportingpathways.org/ http://mad-cricket.blogspot.com/ http://great-white-sharks.blogspot.com/ Twitter @Falmersalma Instragram SalmaBiz Salma.biz@hotmail.co.uk Sohailmughal786@hotmail.com




What's next for Salma?
A visit to Cambridge University and the House of Lords has been set.
Salma and head teacher husband Sohail both have made a pledge to build a school for orphaned children in Pakistan which will being education and sports together for decades to come.
Salma is also bringing back the five-a-side futsal marathon. This time to set a 30-hours non-stop record.
Remember the dates and support our ambassador on her outstanding work!
APRIL 4 and 5 - 30 HOURS FUTSAL
SPORTS/EMPOWERING WOMEN FUNDRAISING DINNER (DATE TO BE CONFIRMED).

SALMA'S STANDING IN THE CRICKET WORLD HITS NEW HEIGHTS!

 

 

SALMA BI stood proudly amongst international cricket stars as she received one of the greatest accolades of her career.

The 28-year-old Worcestershire off-spin bowler was a category winner at the first ever ASIAN CRICKET AWARDS, held at Lord's on October 7.

Salma landed the WOMAN IN CRICKET award during a glittering ceremony at the home of cricket staged to celebrate the tremendous contribution to the sport by British Asians.

From international stars to the vibrant amateur game, up-and-coming youngsters, coaches, media, behind-the-scenes staff and unsung heroes were honoured at the Talk Home Mobile sponsored event.

Salma was chosen ahead of promising young county cricketers Sidra Khan and Bhumika Doshi to win her category.

The judging panel included ex-England and Middlesex captain Mike Gatting, now ECB managing director of Cricket Partnerships, and Baroness Warsi, former Senior Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

Player of the Year went to Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali, who has made big strides with England over the past year.

Former England captain and now Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain won a Lifetime Achievement award.

A delighted Salma said: "I have won many awards in the past, but to be recognised alongside so many great names from the world of cricket made this one of the most special nights of my sporting career."

Salma, a haemodialysis nurse from Birmingham, has won a host of top sporting accolades over the past five years.

She picked up Outstanding Achievement at the British-Asian Sports Awards in 2009 and was the first winner of the Sport category at the Asian Women of Achievement awards in 2012.

Salma has also been shortlisted for numerous other regional and national awards.

The first Asian woman ever to play for Worcestershire, she has claimed 253 career wickets and has represented the MCC and Club Cricket Conference, as well as many club teams, both male and female.

 

ANOTHER CRICKET SEASON TO REMEMBER FOR SALMA

 

 

SALMA BI can reflect back on what has been another successful season in her cricket career.
The 28-year-old from Birmingham, best-known for her off-spin bowling, made her highest senior score with the bat this year and also lifted some prestigious silverware.
Playing the more important games and making them count was Salma's policy this season - and make them count she did.
Earlier this year the haemodialysis nurse married head teacher Sohail Mughal and also hosted the Women's and Men's Indoor T10 Cricket World Cup in Birmingham.
After post-marriage celebrations and purchasing the couple's new home, Salma then returned to the playing fields to continue her legacy.
A continuous ambassador for many sporting organisations, Salma was offered a sponsorship deal with Deal Direct SM Cricket - SM inspired by Sachin Tendulkar and sharing the same initials as her husband.
She wasted no time in accepting and Salma was soon first of the female professional cricketers representing SM Cricket with her black and gold themed kit and 2'8 #US100 Bat.
With the early season weather playing up the wickets were damp and affected the spinners' ability to turn the ball.
However, Salma with years of experience continued to strive and keep the run rate low every time she was given the opportunity to bowl.
Her best figures came when she represented Five Ways Old Edwardians Cricket Club and opened the bowling versus Lutterworth CC.
Salma's final analysis was: nine overs, six maidens, five runs and two wickets, ensuring Five Ways gained a much-needed victory over rivals they lost to previous time out.
Each year we've witnessed Salma represent various teams all over the UK and she added to the list when earning the honour to represent Cheshire after her performances for Hawarden Park CC.,
Salma was also invited to represent southern team Club Cricket Conference against on-tour side Hong Kong, bagging 3-7 in six overs, with three maidens. Salma looks forward to going on tour for CCC next year in Barbados.
Along with younger sister Aisha Bi, Salma continued their loyal guest appearances for Hawarden Park in T20 matches Sunday League, boasting a 100% record and winning promotion to Division Two next season.
The team won with high points and big run-rate, helped by Salma opening the batting against top contenders Oxton CC in a 30-over match.
Salma not only made her first 50 but his a career best 71 runs, securing victory with five overs to spare.
Hawarden won the league in their final match and also claimed the Cup In the T20 play-offs.

Salma's final 2014 stats:
BOWLING....
161.2 overs, 24 maidens, 596 runs, 30 wickets. Best: 4-7. Career total: 253 wickets.
BATTING....
28 games, 21 innings, 4 not outs, 260 runs. Best: 71. Career total: 1530 runs.

 

Another cricket season complete but there are more exciting times ahead as sporting couple Salma and Sohail continue the showbiz.
Award-winning cricketer and pioneer Salma is at Aston Villa Football Club as a finalist for the Birmingham Sports Awards in the category Amateur Sportswoman of the Year on September 18 and the all-new and deserving Asian Cricket Awards at Lord's on October 7.
The duo also look forward to delivering talks and sharing their experiences at Cambridge University and the House of Lords in the next month.
After this Salma's company Sporting Pathways will be focusing on two big events that create history by making a difference.

AMBREEN SADIQ - A KNOCKOUT INSPIRATION

Ambreen in a typical boxer's pose

Ambreen with the certificate she gained for winning a silver medal in the ABA nationals at Liverpool

 

Ambreen in action at the national semi-finals in Liverpool in December (above) and (below) Ambreen with former coaches Mark Robinson (left) and Naz Jalil.

 

 

MANY great boxers have entered the ring inspired by a determination to make someone special proud of them.

Mike Tyson never had the late Cus D'Amato - the veteran trainer who turned the boxer's troubled life around - far from his mind during his successful quest to become the youngest-ever heavyweight champion, and in his many defences thereafter.

And former world light-welterweight and welterweight king Ricky Hatton often cited a devoted young fan, James Bowes, who outlived a deadly brain disorder, as his big inspiration each time he stepped between the ropes.

For up and coming female amateur boxer AMBREEN SADIQ from Keighley, West Yorkshire, the person who motivates her most is even closer to home.

Three years ago the lives of Ambreen and her family were turned upside down when the boxer's brother Zeeshan was seriously injured in a road accident.

"We were devastated," she recalls. "We were told he had a 5% chance of living and even if he survived he would spend the rest of his life in bed.

"But Zeeshan proved the doctors wrong. Now he's talking, walking and he never stops smiling.

"He did suffer some brain damage which means he can't do some of the things he did before, but he's still made amazing progress.

"I was so upset by what happened I was going to give up boxing, but Zeeshan has pulled through so much, I've been inspired by him to continue.

"Now I want to achieve as much as I can in the sport for Zeeshan.

"He's my heart and soul and my inspiration when I step in the ring. He wants the best for me and I'll do everything I can to make him proud."

As well as having a very close brother-sister relationship, it is thanks to Zeeshan that Ambreen got into boxing in the first place.

"I first became involved in boxing when I was 13," she said.

"I was always into sports at school, I was a bit of a tomboy, and I was encouraged by my brother to go with him to the local club where he went with Muhammad Ali (now a top prospect and a world junior silver medallist).

"When I walked into the gym I was fascinated; I was like a kid in a candy store.

"I'd never been in a boxing gym before and all of a sudden I was seeing boxing gloves, boxing bags, I was hooked from that moment.

"I'd tried football, cricket, basketball before but from that first day boxing was the sport for me."

After initially working out on the pads and heavy bag, Ambreen began sparring, with her brother and others, then eight months later her coach suggested the possibility of a contest.

"I didn't even know women could box!," admitted Ambreen. "I'd been training more for the fun of it, but I soon decided I wanted to box competitively.

"My dad and mum were up for it - mum was a bit worried about me getting hurt at first - and my brother was really keen so I went for it.

"I struggled initially to get a fight in my age group and weight, but I had my first contest at 15 in Leeds, won it, and was named Boxer of the Night."

With Ambreen being Britain's first female Muslim boxer, Channel Four showed an interest and filmed her third bout.

Ambreen currently has a record of seven wins from 12 contests.

She was a national junior champion at 16 and won a silver at the senior nationals last December.

The Keighley fighter boxes in the 48-51kg category, the same weight as Britain's Olympic champion Nicola Adams.

Adams' former trainer, Bradford's renowned Alwyn Belcher, who once coached Naseem Hamed and Amir Khan, is a confirmed fan of Ambreen's skills.

"He's told me he wants me to take over from Nicola once she retires," said Ambreen.

"My main goal is to box at the 2020 Olympics and then turn pro."

While there has been no end of positive messages supporting Ambreen in her boxing career, she has had to overcome the prejudices of traditionalists who believe a Muslim woman has no place near a boxing ring.

"A lot of people were not very happy about it; I guess everyone's got an opinion," said Ambreen.

"But my mum and dad and my brother have always been behind me and I've proved people wrong by going out there and doing it."

As for role models, Ambreen cites two big boxing idols of her own.

"My female role model is Laila Ali (daughter of three-time world heavyweight champion the great Muhammad Ali)," she said.

"In the beginning her dad wasn't happy with her boxing, but she went on to become a world champion.

"I'm also a huge fan of Mike Tyson. I model my style a little bit on his and like to think I fight a little bit like he did."

Ambreen's inspirational story has been made into a stage play called No Guts, No Heart, No Glory.

It was performed at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival by the Common Wealth Theatre Group and will be on stage at the Theatre in the Mill, Bradford, from September 11-21 following a showcasing at Ambreen's own gym, Huggy's, in West Bowling.

COUPLE AIM TO RAISE £20,000 TO BUILD NEW SCHOOL IN AN AREA BADLY IN NEED

A SPORTING couple are aiming to raise £20,000 to build a new school in a poverty-stricken area of Pakistan where children are desperately in need of a good education.
Sohail Mughal and his wife Salma Bi, a Birmingham-based award-winning cricketer, have launched a fund-raising drive to make the dreams of hundreds of youngsters a reality.
The determined duo's focus is on getting a brand new school built from the first brick to the last.
Head teacher Sohail Mughal secured a building plot earlier this year for the new development.
He stressed a decision was made to build a new school on the grounds of health and safety. The school he currently teaches at is unsuitable for refurbishment and unsafe.
Having been granted planning permission, Sohail and Salma now wish to raise £20,000 so this proposed new primary and secondary school is safe and big enough for 1,000 children.
The project will also create jobs for teachers in the community. The shortage of jobs in education is becoming a serious concern in Pakistan, especially for female teachers.
Sohail said: "We want to encourage and leave a sporting passion in the chosen school and try our best to help and support as much as we can.
"We want to inspire the children and through sport we can leave something for them to enjoy and remember."
The READ Foundation school which Sohail has worked at since 2008 initially started with only 10 children but now has grown to educate 150 youngsters.
The issues of concern are with renovation of the current building and that it is too small.
The school looks after the needs of poor and orphaned children. It is financially struggling and Sohail's fears are that it will close.
On a recent visit Salma observed teachers conducting lessons to six classes with over 25 children per classroom.
Led by principal Sohail, Salma realised how much work is required in this school.
Lessons are taught in cramped rooms, only benches to sit on and minimum teaching equipment available.
Salma said: "The children have great potential - they aspire to become doctors, lawyers and even pilots! We need to help them realise their dreams by creating the right learning environment.
"We can't wait to get the renovation project started and hope to see a better future for these children. "We found four labour children who were taken in. Some as young as six years old were found working in hotels washing dishes and others making bricks in scorching heat without food or water for hours.
"Lives have been changed but more is yet to be done. Once certain children reach a certain age they stop going to school which we need to prevent and this can only be achieved if we can keep this local school and provide better facilities.
"Once all is finalised the school will take up to seven to eight months to build and both Sohail and I will continue to create more and more funding so each year the school meets its targets and most importantly continue to provide vital education for the children."
So how will the couple go about raising funds?
Well as many of you may have guessed, where Salma is concerned it has to involve SPORT!
An ambassador for the Muslim Sports Council, Salma, who was the first Asian woman to play county cricket for Worcestershire, has lined up a special sporting event next year.
She will host a potential WORLD RECORD 30 HOURS FUTSAL MARATHON in April 2015.
Salma has already organised a 10-hour and 20-hour futsal marathons which raised thousands of pounds for both national and local charities - but now she plans to go one step further.
The event will involve Futsal - five-a-side football - and will invite girls from across the UK to play for 30 hours non-stop.
It is scheduled to take place on Saturday 4th April 2015 1pm to Sunday 5th April 2015 7pm.
Salma added: "We are looking for sponsors right now and up to the event and appreciate all the generous support that is available. Please feel free to make donations :)
"Our aim is to raise 20k for orphaned children and create more teaching jobs in a needy community.
"Who can make a difference? You!"
Click this link and make a difference today! https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/3q7G2/ab/b3rEhe?utm_campaign=coaching-tip-LAUNCH_YOUR_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_source=08-2014
For more information on this world record event e-mail salma.biz@hotmail.co.uk ThankYou!! xxx

** The READ Foundation is a not-for-profit educational network in rural Pakistan. The READ Foundation runs a network of 339 schools in eight districts of Pakistan including Murree, Gilgit-Baltistan and the outskirts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It has 3,277 teachers and serves 70,000 children including 7,000 orphans.

CRICKET DEAL DIRECT/SM LATEST ADDITION - SALMA BI

http://www.cricketdealdirect.co.uk/cricket-blog/sm-bats-and-cricket-deal-directs-newest-addition-salmi-bis-interview/

SALMA BI - ROLE MODEL. MUSLIM SPORTS COUNCIL INTERVIEW

http://www.muslimsportscouncil.co.uk/78-icetheme/icetabs/162-cricketing-role-model-salma-bi.html

SOHAIL AND SALMA - UNITED IN MARRIAGE AND SPORT

THEY say it's teamwork that makes the dream work and one sporting duo are looking to leave a legacy and set a new trend in the world of celebrity talent.
Award-winning cricketer and sporting ambassador Salma Bi is no stranger to individual headlines, but now she is moving forward in a new direction - as a partnership.
Head teacher and fitness model Sohail Mughal became Salma's husband earlier this year.
The couple live a very active and busy life, not only working as professionals but as role models to the next generation out there.
Both Mr and Mrs are encouraging more and more talented youngsters to follow in their footsteps. Salma, a prolific wicket-taking off-spinner and Sohail, an opening batsman, are excited to welcome the next future stars in the world of cricket.
Recently, Salma was honoured with a new cricket kit sponsored by SM, which was inspired by a company in Northants.
SM shares the same initials as her husband who not only runs a school in Pakistan, is a personal trainer and model, but recently got more involved in cricket after the involvement of his wife and achievements she has brought to the household.
Joining forces with Club Cricket Conference and Sporting Equals, Sohail invites you to the Asian Cricket Awards, which are set to take place in October 2014 at Lord's http://www.asiancricketawards.co.uk/asian-cricket-awards/nomination-form/
Sohail says: "I've seen what achievements have been made by my wife over the years from her contributing to cricket.
"She is living proof of someone who strived to reach her goals and today she has had such an impact even I love playing as an opening batsman for my team who have secured our place in the Regional Cup Finals.
"I've fully supported my wife in continuation of playing sports, hence why I've nominated her for an award.
The duo look forward to setting up a forum which will bring all walks of life together to push the game forward. This is now your chance to put your name forward for the sporting event!
We are looking for new raw talent and people behind the scenes from club level to national county squads.
Whilst Salma the demon spinner brings magic to the game and takes wickets, somewhere along the same lines Sohail is facing 90mph pace bowling and playing some crucial shots which are not only bringing lots of runs but edging his team towards victory without losing wickets.
This is the new era of sport and this is what we want to see more of.
You are what you leave in your children.
For Salma and Sohail sports and success is in their blood but this time they are calling out more talent to provide them the platform to win awards such as these!
#CreatingPathwaysByMakingHistory

SALMA GETS INTO GEAR FOR THE NEW CRICKET SEASON

Salma meets Deal Direct (UK) commercial director Ian Anderson

Salma tries out an SM bat

Salma at the SM shop at Northants CCC

WORCESTERSHIRE and MCC cricketer Salma Bi is getting into gear at the start of the new season.
The 28-year-old spin bowler has just landed a two-year sponsorship deal with internationally renowned SM Cricket.
Although SM is based in India, the company has an exclusive distribution agreement with Deal Direct (UK), whose commercial director Ian Anderson has arranged a sponsorship package with Salma.
The Birmingham-based sportswoman was delighted to sign the two-year contract on Tuesday, May 20, which sees her become SM Cricket's flagship female player in the UK.
Salma was presented with a personalised black and gold themed kit of pads, gloves, bag and a magnificent bat.
She said: "It is a pleasure to get on board with SM Cricket and Deal Direct (UK). I visited Northants Cricket Ground to sign the deal, where I met top man Ian Anderson.
"As main ICC sponsors, SM's reputation is growing by the minute and we want more future stars on board.
"For me this is a very good opportunity to get more players involved in the game. Using my business initiative SportingPathways, travelling all over the UK representing several teams per season and hosting world-record fund-raising sporting events will attract the future stars.
"SM (named after legendary cricket equipment entrepreneur Sunil Mahajan) share the same initials as my husband Sohail Mughal, who has encouraged the continued development of women's cricket and has supported me well, so it will be special every time I wear the kit.
"SM sponsor the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and many other great players, so it is a privilege to be selected to represent the company too.
"This is the new gear that has got a lot of people talking with young player packages to senior kit offers. There is something custom designed for each individual.
"From kit to clothing SM will provide you with the best equipment for many seasons to come.
"Interested? Contact salma.biz@hotmail.co.uk or call direct 07711 681136 or log on to www.smcricket.com."
SALMA BI'S CRICKET HIGHLIGHTS
* First Asian woman to represent Worcestershire CC
* Has represented MCC many times, including versus Japan in 2013
* Plays for several teams - including Five Ways Old Edwardians, Wall CC (men's team), Hawarden Park (North Wales), Tamworth
* Is a qualified level 1 umpire and coach
* Has twice been invited to nets sessions with the England ladies squad
* Organiser of Indoor World Cup T10 Tournaments for men and women

SALMA ON A MERCY MISSION

 

THIS year's T10 Cricket World Cup raised a fantastic amount of money to help renovate a school overseas.
Salma's husband, Sohail Mughal, is head-teacher for the Read Foundation School in Pakistan.
The couple organised the cricket event in Birmingham last month to raise much needed funds for the project.
A fabulous £8,000 was gathered in donations with an extra £650 in teachers' bonuses, and Salma had the pleasure of flying over to visit the school straight after the men's and women's cricket tournament.
Salma enjoyed observing teachers conducting lessons to six classes with over 25 children per classroom. Led by principal Sohail, Salma realised how much work is required in this school.
There are cramped rooms, only benches to sit on and minimum teaching equipment available.
Salma said: "The children have great potential - they aspire to become doctors, lawyers and even pilots! We need to help them realise their dreams by creating the right learning environment.
"We can't wait to get the renovation project started and hope to see a better future for these children. "We found four labour children who were taken in. Some as young as six years old were found working in hotels and washing dishes.
"Lives have been changed but more is yet to be done. Once certain children reach a certain age they stop going to school which we need to prevent and this can only be achieved if we can keep this local school and provide better facilities.
"Once all is finalised the school will take up to five months to be rebuilt and both Sohail and I will continue to create more and more funding so each year the school meets its targets and most importantly continue to provide vital education for the children.
"We've loved the feedback from the cricket tournament and will always aim to go one better.
"Bring on next year and bring on bigger and better records still yet to set!"
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us.
#BoomBoom

SALMA ASSESSES THE T10 TOURNAMENTS

Champions Australia with organiser Salma Bi (TOP)

The South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies captains
 

WOMEN'S EVENT
4th Place - England T10:
Losing all matches but keeping high spirits with only five players.
Captain's Players: Sammi Short - young 13-year-old who took most wickets all event with superb fielding and supporting the team.
3rd Place - Pakistan T10:
Improving this year and winning a place in the play-offs was great to see.
Captain's Player: Zubia Mughal was on fire with her batting, scoring most 6's & 10's in the play-offs.
2nd Place - India T10:
Amazing result to get so far!! Secured a space in the final with sensible game play.
Captain's Player: Jess Adams. With a comical approach and grasping the game so well.
Winners - Australia T10:
Dominating the day with all-round team play carrying each player to the final they showed true grit and determination to win the title!
Captain's Player: Vicky Roe - Gaining more confidence in her bowling and superb with her fielding saving valuable runs giving the Aussies more chance to take the run outs!

MEN'S EVENT
3rd Place - Bangladesh T10: A new side, they proved to be the best fielding team on the day and enjoyed the experience of participation.
2nd Place - South Africa T10: Seemed like they were playing all day long; produced some fine cricket. Hungry for the title they strived throughout.
Winners - West Indies T10: By far the best team on the day, with an all-round ability to handle any situation. This team were obviously a unity that have played together for a very long time! Minimum mistakes but just class indoor cricket.

MEN'S T10 TOURNAMENT RESULTS

SQUADS

BANGLADESH
Zabeer Khan
Adeel Hameed
Jameel Tanveer
Nadeem Chudhary
Mohammed Umar
Shaan Khan
Waqar Ali
Ifran Ilyas
Zeesheq Hasim
Rizwan

SOUTH AFRICA
Qasser Zaman
Babar Zaman
Waqaas Iqbal
Imran Ul-Hassan
Asif Munir
Zafeer Ul-Hassan
Ilyas
Nabeel Younis

WEST INDIES
Mansoor Tariq
Adil Raja
Tehmoor Tariq
Mohammed Salman
Naeemullah Khan
Sai Kamuni
Prathamesh Pawar
Farz Asif

SCORES

South Africa 276 West Indies 286
West Indies 320 Bangladesh 225
South Africa 351 Bangladesh 251

Final: West Indies beat South Africa

Men's teams line up

Bangladesh

South Africa

T10 - WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Captains of Australia, England, India and Pakistan

GROUP STAGE

India 242 Australia 312

Pakistan 215 England 257

England 242 India 286

Pakistan 231 Australia 320

India 300 Pakistan 324

England 233 Australia 296

PLAY-OFFS

Pakistan 364 (third place) England 291 (fourth place)
Australia 383 (first place) India 275 (second place)


SQUADS...

PAKISTAN: Sophia Rashid, Amira Butt, Zubia Mughal, Chanel Chaffe, Ellie MacCarthy, Sabaa Arfan, Masuma Naqvi.
AUSTRALIA: Amna Rafiq, Mina Zahoor, Aisha Bi, Vicky Roe, Simi Panesar, Zakia Khan, A Asif.
ENGLAND: Salma Bi, Arwa Hazem, Tano Ahmed, Sadia Yousaf, Sammi Short, Sharaz Bibi.
INDIA: Gill Short, Taz Sadiq, Holly Dearne, Hayley Shaddick, Rachel Bird, Shirley Finucaine, Jess Adams.

England

Pakistan

India

CRICKET T10 WORLD CUP - A HUGE SUCCESS

Women's T10 champions Australia

Men's T10 champions West Indies

 

MAD Productions had previously successfully hosted five national fund-raising events.
However, MAD Productions' spin-off organisation Sporting Pathways' co-founder Salma Bi decided to put a twist in the tale this Spring!
Inspired by the promotion of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, award-winning cricketer Salma decided to challenge herself once again.
Having hosted two T10 Indoor World Cup cricket tournaments already for ladies, Salma decided to not only stage a third such event, but also host a Men's tournament alongside the Women's.
So on April 5 and 6 Salma organised her sixth and seventh events back-to-back with a family fun day weekend.
As initial steps began on planning, Sporting Pathways decided to raise money to renovate a school in Pakistan.
Sohail Mughal, head teacher for Read Foundation School, decided this would be life-changing to provide for a less fortunate school which provides education for orphaned children.
Both Salma and Sohail agreed however big or small the donation is dedicated for the school to create better facilities or to provide equipment.
The build up began with plenty of PR work which involved guesting on the Saima Ajram Show-BBC Asian Network, attending Muslim Women's Network International Women's Day Talk, Muslimah Role Models as well as advertising on Unity FM and running a Sports Relief coaching day.
Sporting Pathways have so far set an excellent record of providing opportunities to all abilities in participation into sports.
With this mind set the theme was great just before the cricket season commences and whilst both men's and women's T20 World Cup Tournaments were taking place in Bangladesh, it was a perfect time to get more people into cricket and achieve new goals in life.
It was a privilege for Salma as she was given the opportunity to deliver a talk at the Sports Marketing Network Conference, which helped Sporting Pathways to get involved in other projects and to share more of what the company delivers.
A feature in the Birmingham Mail and an Islam Channel feature of Sporting Pathways previous World DodgeBall event created some hype and attracted new audience, setting a #GameFace Trailer with a BoomBoom Bat. Sporting Pathways always enjoy taking a more comical approach to the events.
Missing out on a invite to Lord's for the Asian Cricket Awards, this was something Salma would've loved to attend, however with the concept of looking for new talent and raising profiles it was a perfect goal for participants attending the event.
Six weeks of planning and delegating workload was a steady journey.
The Read Foundation aimed to attract a younger crowd, hence marketing for a family fun day, whilst Sporting Pathways attracted not only the usual suspects but on a bigger scale new players and male teams.
Saturday, April 5, saw 27 females take part in the Women's T10 World Cup. As always it's a pleasure to see players travel down to the event.
Players arrived as far as from London, Yorkshire, Walsall and Wales.
Overall winners were Australia who finished with a 100% record and were deserving champions for the second year in a row.
Sunday, April 6, catered for 24 men participating in a Mad Productions event and ready to make history!
Being a first of its kind, there was always a risk of who will attend and who will be up for the challenge?
Having only three teams on the day, it became almost a Tri-Series which worked out perfect! Travelling from Cardiff, West Indies T10 emerged as winners with a 100% record.
Overall another successful weekend, two back-to-back events which not only made history but raised a reasonable amount for the school.
It's a challenge to get people away from the television to get involved but it's a must to keep active too.
Sporting Pathways brings not only a community together but creates a path for each participant that attends.
Players either walk away with experience, new friends or a medallion they once thought they would never get the opportunity to achieve.
We don't rule anyone out and cater for all, we are grateful for the continued support!
Special thank you's too....
The Read Foundation Team and Volunteers
Ex-England player Suzanne Redfern
Sheikh Hameed, Security and boys for stepping into play to fill the gaps
Also thank you to umpires, stall holders & spectators but most importantly thank you to YOU for not only participating but believing you can compete & achieve new goals in life!
We've loved the feedback & will always aim to go one better.
Bring on next year and bring on bigger and better records still yet to set! #BoomBoom