Keighley’s national schoolgirl boxing champion Ambreen Sadiq – believed to be the only registered Muslim female boxer in the country – has been shortlisted for a British Asian Sports Award.
Now 15, she became involved with the sport three years ago when she accompanied her brother to Eastburn Boxing Club, Eastburn.
The Belle Vue Girls’ School pupil was crowned the Amateur Boxing Association’s national champion in June and will defend her title this summer.
Her coach, Naz Jalil, said: “I think it’s brilliant that one of my pupils has been selected.”
He said Ambreen paid no attention to those who disapproved of her boxing for cultural reasons and she would continue to compete in preparation for June’s national championships and work towards competing internationally.
“You get mixed feedback about it from the Asian community and with this being the Asian Sports Awards it is an acceptance of what she is doing, giving her a pat on the back and the support she needs,” he said.
“Ambreen is strong and she knows she’s got the support of her family and coach and that’s all she needs. She doesn’t listen to negative comments.
“It is a boost for her but she needs to keep her feet on the ground and focused on her training.”
Also shortlisted is Bradford’s Yorkshire and England cricketer Adil Rashid, for the Most Up and Coming Personality of the Year.
Bradford-based Jasbir Athwal, founder of the Asian Golf Society, is in the running for the Community Business in Sport Award.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday, February 6, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Voting closes on Thursday, February 4.
Anyone who wants to vote for Ambreen can call 09050260306 or text 84555 with the short code BASA 306.
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