ITV shows how Asians are breaking into sports
17th October, 2007
by J. Singh-Sohal
When your bosses' boss tells you that it's a good idea and you should pursue it, you know you might be onto something unique.
In this case it was looking at how British Asians across the Midlands are now breaking through into mainstream sports.
How the cultural, traditional and institutional barriers that once prevented this are eroding and how role models like Monty Panesar, Amir Khan and even Lewis Hamilton are beacons for variety and diversity in sport.
Six months of research later, the result is a comprehensive three part feature that lifts the lid on the grassroots game of football cricket, and hockey.
We went to local parks, spoke to kids that just want to play, asked the parents about their support, interviewed relevant people with insight into the subject and filmed at first hand the efforts and energy many talented youngsters are putting in.
One of the things we found are that family attitudes have dramatically changed. Third generation Asians who were brought up in strict, disciplined and traditional environments by second generation migrants who's own parents were raised in the same way in places like India and Pakistan; are now enabling their own children to hold sport with the same esteem that Asians have traditionally held business, finance and medicine.
For some this mindset is born from their own anguish at not being allowed to become sportsmen and women. Sital Gokani from Leicester had talent, but this was frowned upon. Now she can always be found alongside husband Raj.
They've turned their energies, their time and social life, to allowing boys Ravi (13) and Rahul (11) to live their dreams - playing football, cricket and hockey for Sunday league teams. They say they wouldn't hold them back if they want to go professional at either sport but attest that it's not just about talent. Family support is essential.
Evidence of potential success is found in role models Amir Khan and Monty Panesar; both had their families full backing. Indeed the Olympic silver medallist often has both parents at ringside. And the education also fitted in alongside their dedication to training.
Jigar Naik is with Leicestershire County - the first Leicester Asian to play for the team. He says he's following in Monty's footsteps - studied his Masters at Loughborough while also perfecting his batting and bowling. His coaches say they have high hopes for him.
It's tough for the boys, but girls shouldn't worry. There's Niki Patel, a role model in the making. Only thirteen, she's the only girl in an all-boys district squad, broken into the England under-19 indoor cricket team, and also plays hockey netball and gymnastics.
For Niki, sport is in her blood and her development ever since she picked up sport at the age of 5 has been due to her families influence. Her brother (17) is with a cricket Academy, her uncle plays amateur, her parents work or watch cricket like addicts.
Strong family and cultural values are still a fundamental part of Asian life in England. But if the likes of Monty and Amir can prove British Asians can be successful in sports; the likes of Jigar, Niki and the Gokanis are showing that talent also sits comfortably with a traditional upbringing. And yes, a Masters degree too.
'Sporting Colours' also explores the political issue of integration and racism.
The three-part series began on ITV Central on Friday 12th October. It can also be viewed back on itvlocal.com/central/sportextra.
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J. Singh-Sohal is a reporter for ITV Central.
When your bosses' boss tells you that it's a good idea and you should pursue it, you know you might be onto something unique.In this case it was looking at how British Asians across the Midlands are now breaking through into mainstream sports.
How the cultural, traditional and institutional barriers that once prevented this are eroding and how role models like Monty Panesar, Amir Khan and even Lewis Hamilton are beacons for variety and diversity in sport.
Six months of research later, the result is a comprehensive three part feature that lifts the lid on the grassroots game of football cricket, and hockey.
We went to local parks, spoke to kids that just want to play, asked the parents about their support, interviewed relevant people with insight into the subject and filmed at first hand the efforts and energy many talented youngsters are putting in.
One of the things we found are that family attitudes have dramatically changed. Third generation Asians who were brought up in strict, disciplined and traditional environments by second generation migrants who's own parents were raised in the same way in places like India and Pakistan; are now enabling their own children to hold sport with the same esteem that Asians have traditionally held business, finance and medicine.
For some this mindset is born from their own anguish at not being allowed to become sportsmen and women. Sital Gokani from Leicester had talent, but this was frowned upon. Now she can always be found alongside husband Raj.
They've turned their energies, their time and social life, to allowing boys Ravi (13) and Rahul (11) to live their dreams - playing football, cricket and hockey for Sunday league teams. They say they wouldn't hold them back if they want to go professional at either sport but attest that it's not just about talent. Family support is essential.
Evidence of potential success is found in role models Amir Khan and Monty Panesar; both had their families full backing. Indeed the Olympic silver medallist often has both parents at ringside. And the education also fitted in alongside their dedication to training.
Jigar Naik is with Leicestershire County - the first Leicester Asian to play for the team. He says he's following in Monty's footsteps - studied his Masters at Loughborough while also perfecting his batting and bowling. His coaches say they have high hopes for him.
It's tough for the boys, but girls shouldn't worry. There's Niki Patel, a role model in the making. Only thirteen, she's the only girl in an all-boys district squad, broken into the England under-19 indoor cricket team, and also plays hockey netball and gymnastics.
For Niki, sport is in her blood and her development ever since she picked up sport at the age of 5 has been due to her families influence. Her brother (17) is with a cricket Academy, her uncle plays amateur, her parents work or watch cricket like addicts.
Strong family and cultural values are still a fundamental part of Asian life in England. But if the likes of Monty and Amir can prove British Asians can be successful in sports; the likes of Jigar, Niki and the Gokanis are showing that talent also sits comfortably with a traditional upbringing. And yes, a Masters degree too.
'Sporting Colours' also explores the political issue of integration and racism.
The three-part series began on ITV Central on Friday 12th October. It can also be viewed back on itvlocal.com/central/sportextra.
--------------------------
J. Singh-Sohal is a reporter for ITV Central.
