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.