The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) hosted the inaugural British Asian Rugby Awards in the distinguished State Rooms at Speaker’s House, House of Commons.
The event recognised the exceptional contributions of South Asian communities to rugby, marking a new chapter in the sport’s journey toward greater inclusivity and representation.
The awards, established to inspire engagement and highlight role models within the game, welcomed over 100 attendees, including luminaries such as former Wigan star and Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski, Huddersfield Giants Owner Ken Davy, Baroness Manzoor, Harpreet Uppal MP, Lord Evans, and Lord Scriven.
With the generous support of headline sponsor La Romantica Beds, the evening spotlighted rugby’s ability to unite communities and dismantle barriers. Guests were inspired by addresses from prominent speakers, including Mr Speaker, Deputy Speaker Judith Cummins MP, and rugby stalwarts like Tony Sutton (CEO, RFL), Jatin Patel (Inclusion Director, RFU), and Phil Davies (former Wales Captain and World Rugby Director).
Dr Hanif Malik OBE hosted the event with exceptional energy, ensuring an evening filled with inspiration, reflection, and celebration.
Beyond celebration, the awards emphasised the need for systemic change. The speakers noted that representation matters, but meaningful progress requires dismantling barriers and fostering leadership that drives genuine inclusivity.
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth, praised BARA’s efforts in her message of support: “Like all sport, rugby has the power to change lives and bring communities closer together.
“I’d like to pay tribute to all those honoured tonight and to the British Asian Rugby Association for their fantastic work promoting diversity and representation across both codes.”
Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and President of the Rugby Football League, added: “Ikram’s efforts have paved the way for a more inclusive future, ensuring that rugby reflects the diversity of our communities. As BARA approaches its 20th anniversary, I wish them continued success in breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity.”
The British Asian Rugby Awards are more than an annual event—they are a call to action for greater representation and equity in sport.
BARA’s founder, Dr Ikram Butt, the first British South Asian to represent England in either code, summarised the evening’s significance:
“This milestone moment not only recognises the achievements of South Asians in rugby but also underscores the power of sport to unite communities and challenge societal divides. Hosting this event in Parliament demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and the growing acknowledgment of representation in sport.
“As BARA approaches its 20th anniversary next year, this inaugural awards evening lays the foundation for continued progress, ensuring South Asian representation thrives in rugby for generations to come.”
