7:00pm Tuesday 10th February 2009
UNIVERSITY of Worcester’s talented footballer Ajmal Ahmed is aiming for more success at the prestigious British Asian Sports Awards (BASA).
Ajmal, who captained the Blind England team at the Paralympics, is up for the outstanding achievement accolade again after winning it last year.
The 28-year-old, who hails from Toxteth, Liverpool, also claimed the npower disabled male sports personality of the year award in 2007 among a string of career trophies.
He has played for England over the last 11 years and is currently joined by several other University of Worcester students in the squad.
The Liverpool fan is in high-profile company at the awards with cricket stars Samit Patel, Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara contesting the British Asian sports personality of the year award.
Ajmal will be hoping to pick up another gong at the final ceremony hosted by the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on Saturday, February 21, which will be televised by Sony Entertainment Television Asia.
He was chosen for nomination by a distinguished panel of leading sports and media personalities, thanks to his sporting success over the past 12 months.
Ajmal said: “I was nominated last year and won it but it will be a lot harder to do it again. Just being recognised for playing football is quite an achievement for myself and I’m glad it gives so much publicity to Asian sport.”
He is up against kickboxer Barinder Singh and London Asian football team project founder Mesba Ahmed.
Voting is now open to the public and closes on Friday, February 20, at midnight.
To vote for Ajmal, ring 09011-597803 or text BASA AJMAL to 83222.
Now in its eighth year, the awards aim to inspire the next generation of talented British Asian sports people across the United Kingdom.
BBC Sports editor and BASA judge Mihir Bose said: “The awards are a great celebration of British Asian sporting talent of all ages and I feel honoured to have been on the judging panel.
“This year, the standard of talent has been extremely high and I hope the event further inspires others to pursue a career in sport and ensures that we nurture the next generation of British Olympians.”
Last year’s British Asian sports personality of the year, top boxer Amir Khan, said: “It’s an honour to be part of such a worthwhile cause, one that encourages our young talent to come forward and be recognised.”
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