FOOTBALL may not have come home but the success of the men's and women's England teams has led to a boom in the number of young south Asian female players, according to coaches.
Since the 2019 Women's World Cup, rising stars have emerged including England youth international Simran Jhamat who joined Bristol City Women in July to become the first British Asian professional in the club's history.
Teenager Roop Kaur plays for Queens Park Rangers Girls Under 16s, Rosie Kmita is at Watford, while Birmingham Under 16s signed Layla Banaras.
Prior to the Women's World Cup two years ago, there were no players of south Asian origin in the Women's Super League.
And experts believe after England's men reached the Euro 2020 final in July and the women's European Championships taking place next summer, there will be more youngsters with the goal of playing pro football.
Manisha Tailor MBE, who was recently promoted to assistant head of academy coaching at Queens Park Rangers, told Eastern Eye: "I think that the commitment from The Football Association and governing bodies to make football accessible to South Asian female players has inevitably resulted in an increase in participation.
"In addition to the men's Euros, there is build up towards the women's euros next year which is great to see as it is certainly inspiring girls and women to take up the sport.
"Role models such as Simran and Rosie, as well as Lucindha Lawson, are at the heart of creating change towards seeing more elite South Asian female footballers."
Manisha Taylor coaching a session with U13 boys at QPRPhoto: Lucille Flood for The FA
It comes after Jhamat was hailed as "a fantastic role model" by her former manager Vicky Jepson who believes she can inspire the next generation of British Asian female footballers.
The 20-year-old from Walsall, Midlands, was spotted playing for Sporting Khalsa before being approached by Aston Villa's Girls' Centre of Excellence where she spent seven seasons before joining Liverpool.
Arun Kang OBE, CEO of the Sporting Equals charity, said we are all aware of the power and positivity that role models can have on communities as "you cannot be what you cannot see".
But he told Eastern Eye: "While we do not want to dampen the current positive trajectory of the England (men's) team, we at Sporting Equals can't help but question the true strength of the diversity within the England men's squad.
"These claims of excellent diversity are in reference to some ethnically diverse communities being present while others are wholly unrepresented.
"We have spoken at length about the importance of sporting bodies becoming specific with community approaches through our terminology advocacy work and how they must move away from looking at diversity through a selective umbrella lens whereby they can engage with selective communities and ignore others."
Sporting Equals created the British Asians Sport and Physical Activity (BASPA) Network to raise awareness and challenge sporting bodies to do more on developing talent, coaching and leadership roles.
Kang added: "Often these necessary discussions are quieted with cultural stereotypes and perceptions of barriers that do not actually exist or persist.
"However, there is more than enough research to highlight that British South Asians are very active in football there are unconscious and conscious biases at play that actively prevent them from reaching elite-level talent status.
"We hope that the footballing bodies will reflect on any positive learnings from community and talent engagement and retention within the England women's squad and implement such learnings for the men's game so that in future tournaments British South Asians may also see concrete representation and diverse talent."
British Asians make up seven per cent of the UK population but only 0.25 per cent of professional footballers, according to research.
Yashmin Harun BEM, chair and founder of The Muslimah Sports Association (MSA), said the increase in Asian players has been encouraged due to the positive work by the Football Association and the media.
She added: "We cannot underestimate the importance of positive stories and the impact it has on our communities.
"At Frenford & MSA WFC we have had a huge uptake of female players from age five to adults, with a majority from an Asian background. This is due to these players and parents seeing females who look like them playing football.
"The more stories we are able to promote and tell the more parents and players will be encouraged to take up football and create pathways.
"The unfortunate events which took place at the Euro 2020 final [involving some spectators trying to watch the match without a ticket] should not deter Asian fans from attending games in future and with the Women’s Euro 2022 coming to Wembley, it’s a perfect opportunity to experience the game.”
Cho So-Hyun of West Ham Ladies celebrates with Jane Ross and Rosie Kmita. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
A community football club looking to encourage more female players is Southall Athletic FC in London, who play in Division One of the Middlesex County League.
Ajay Gore, co-founder and chairman of the women's team, said: “South Asian males are underrepresented in football, the only other group more underrepresented than that is South Asian females.
“The main goal with this team is to increase the participation of South Asian women in the sport.
“We want this club to be a legacy in the community long after our times and we want it to be a club that little kids grow up wanting to play for.”
Sim was encouraged to join Southall Athletic FC by friends and family. She previously played for Brentford FC before taking a break from the sport.
Sim said: “I’m back into what I used to love.
“There’s such a big taboo with Indian girls playing football, now there’s a community football club that’s allowing females to join in.
"It’s a good opportunity for girls like me to get back into it and prove certain people wrong.”
When nine-year-old Binita Chetry stepped onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage, she didn’t just carry her dreams; she carried the hopes of an entire region. Hailing from Bokajan in Assam’s Karbi Anglong, Binita became the first Indian and the first Asian to finish in the top three of the popular UK talent show. Her third-place win in the 2025 finale marked a huge moment, not just for her but for the Indian dance community and the Gorkha population she proudly represents.
Binita’s journey started young. Trained initially by her aunt and later under choreographer Hardik Rawat in Jaipur, she had already made waves in Indian shows like Super Dancer 4 and Dance Deewane Junior before winning the title on Dance Icon Season 2. That win opened the door to Britain’s Got Talent, where her flexibility, energy, and expressions impressed even tough critics like Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli.
— (@)
The road wasn’t easy. Binita’s father, Amar Chetry, runs a small poultry farm but never let limited means stop her talent. He ensured she received proper training and stood by her through every step, from auditions in India to performances on an international stage. Amar is also active in the All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union, making his daughter’s win a big, proud moment for the Gorkha community.
After the final, where magician Harry Moulding won and LED group ‘The Blackouts’ placed second, Binita said, “I am proud of myself. It’s been the best experience.” She returned to Assam to a hero’s welcome with flowers, cheers, and messages from leaders like Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who posted a video of her with the caption: “Dancing her way to glory.”
The young dancer, who dreams of owning a pink princess house, balances her rising fame with schoolwork. She’s still in Class 5. She thanked her parents, her supporters, and “Himanta Mama” for their blessings and also wants to meet the CM in person to express her gratitude.
Even though voting for the show was restricted to the UK, the love Binita received from across borders showed that talent truly speaks louder than borders. And while she hasn’t planned what’s next, this is just the beginning for this rising star.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Sam had recently been working on the west coast of Scotland
Sam Gardiner, a former contestant on the BBC travel series Race Across the World, has died following a car crash near Manchester. He was 24.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the incident occurred on Monday night on the A34, when the vehicle Sam was driving left the road, rolled over, and landed on its side. He was the only occupant of the car. Sam was taken to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, his family confirmed in a statement.
Sam gained public attention in 2020 when he appeared in the second series of Race Across the World, travelling across South America with his mother, Jo. The duo became popular among viewers for their close bond and enthusiasm throughout the journey, which they undertook from Mexico to Argentina.
Though they were unable to complete the final leg of the race due to running out of money, Sam described the experience as "life-changing". During filming, he spoke about his close relationship with his mother, saying: "Mum and I are very close – we often think or say the same things. She has travelled a lot in her life, so I think it would be fun to do it with her."
In a tribute released by the family, Sam’s parents, Jo and Andrew, said they were “devastated” by his sudden death. “Sam left us far too soon, and while words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special,” they said. Describing him as “loyal, funny and fiercely protective”, the family added that he was “adored” by those closest to him.
His uncle, Jonny Gray, also paid tribute, describing Sam as someone who loved “gardening, animals and doing physical activity”. He recalled the “special relationship” Sam shared with his mother and said they were “an enormous hit on the show”, noting how fondly the public received them.
Emon Choudhury, who won the second series of Race Across the World with his nephew Jamiul, shared his memories of Sam in a post on social media. He described Sam as “pure sunshine in human form” and said his “kindness was a beacon for anyone lucky enough to cross his path”. Choudhury added that Sam and Jo “showed us what it truly means to live fully, love fiercely, and embrace every moment with an open heart”.
A spokesperson for Race Across the World also released a statement expressing their condolences. “Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo,” the statement read.
“Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures from Mexico to Argentina, making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.”
The statement added that Sam and Jo remained an “integral part” of the show’s cast family after filming. “On behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his stepmother, Justine; and his wider family and friends.”
Sam had recently been working on the west coast of Scotland and had travelled to Stockport in Greater Manchester to attend a family birthday celebration, his uncle said.
The family have requested privacy as they grieve.
Keep ReadingShow less
Shah Rukh Khan flaunts toned arms and tattoos in latest public outing
Shah Rukh Khan’s latest video has sparked a wave of speculation, all thanks to his rugged transformation with tattoos, toned arms, and an unmistakable swagger. Dressed in a white vest, loose grey trousers, a beanie, and black sunglasses, the actor was recently seen greeting fans and walking with his security team in what appears to be his most physically intense look yet. The sighting, caught on camera and widely shared online, has fans convinced this is a glimpse into his role in the upcoming action film King.
This film, currently under production, pairs Shah Rukh with his daughter Suhana Khan for the first time on screen. Directed by Sujoy Ghosh and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment in collaboration with Siddharth Anand’s Marflix, King is believed to be an action thriller. Siddharth previously directed Pathaan, and the two are reuniting with expectations running sky-high.
— (@)
In King, Shah Rukh reportedly plays a hardened assassin deeply entrenched in the underworld. Suhana, fresh off her debut in The Archies, joins him in a key role. The cast also includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, and others.
While official stills or a teaser are yet to be released, SRK’s gym-sculpted frame and visible tattoos have already turned heads. Fans online are calling this his most daring look yet. “Shah Rukh in beast mode,” one user wrote. Another commented, “Looks like we’re about to witness something wild in King.”
Suhana Khan to join father SRK in action thriller King directed by Sujoy GhoshGetty Images
During a recent interaction, Shah Rukh admitted he’s pushing his body hard for the role. “I’ve got icing machines in two bags,” he said, half-joking about post-action scene recovery. “It looks cool on screen, but behind the scenes, I’m basically a mess.”
While the makers have tried to keep details quiet, a fan account recently requested others not to leak images of Shah Rukh’s look. The caption read: “Let’s respect the magic before the reveal.”
King began filming in Mumbai in May, with the next leg set to take place in Europe. A release is expected between October and December 2026. But with this sneak peek already setting the internet ablaze, it seems the countdown has unofficially begun.
Music has the power to connect hearts, awaken the spirit, and celebrate culture—and on Saturday, June 7, audiences in Birmingham will experience all this and more as acclaimed British vocalist Bhavik Haria takes centre stage at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), located in the scenic Cannon Hill Park. Known for his ability to blend tradition with modernity, Haria is set to deliver a spellbinding live performance that journeys through the rich landscape of Indian devotional music, classic Bollywood hits, and poetic ghazals.
This much-anticipated event promises to be far more than just a concert—it is a celebration of sound, soul, and heritage. Bhavik Haria, often described as one of the UK’s most versatile and emotive Indian vocalists, has earned a loyal following for his distinctive voice, heartfelt delivery, and powerful stage presence. He brings with him not only musical talent but also a mission—to inspire spiritual and emotional connection through the universal language of music.
The performance will feature a carefully curated set list that reflects Bhavik’s diverse musical influences. Audiences can expect to be moved by serene bhajans, which carry a meditative, devotional resonance; uplifted by familiar Bollywood melodies that span decades; and transported by the lyrical beauty of traditional ghazals, known for their deep emotion and poetic depth.
Bhavik Haria’s musical journey is rooted in Indian classical traditions but is also inspired by contemporary sensibilities. His approach brings a fresh, accessible take on sacred and semi-classical music, making it appealing to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. With a growing digital presence and sold-out shows across the UK and abroad, he has been instrumental in redefining devotional music for a global generation.
The Midlands Arts Centre, located in Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park (postcode B12 9QH), is a fitting venue for such an immersive musical experience. Renowned for supporting diverse artistic expressions, MAC offers an intimate and acoustically rich setting that enhances every note and nuance of a live performance. Surrounded by natural beauty, the centre’s atmosphere invites reflection, appreciation, and cultural celebration.
Whether you're a long-time fan of Indian devotional music or simply curious about experiencing something profoundly moving and artistically rich, Bhavik Haria Live is a must-attend event. It offers not just a night of entertainment, but a rare opportunity to connect with the emotional power of music that crosses boundaries and touches the soul.
Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of musical storytelling, cultural reverence, and spiritual connection. Reserve your seats today and be part of a performance that promises to linger in the heart long after the final note fades.
Keep ReadingShow less
Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc in Netflix’s Wake Up Dead Man
Daniel Craig is back as detective Benoit Blanc, but this time the stakes are higher and the tone darker. Netflix has locked in 12 December 2025 for the release of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third film in Rian Johnson’s popular whodunit series.
The teaser, revealed during Netflix’s Tudum fan event, shows a moody, church-based setting. Craig’s voice breaks through the silence with the words: “The impossible crime,” setting the tone for a mystery far more intense than anything we've seen Blanc solve before.
While the plot is still under wraps, what’s clear is that Wake Up Dead Man won’t follow the sun-drenched absurdities of Glass Onion. This time, the detective swaps a luxury island for a village steeped in shadows, with a chapel at the centre of the storm. The official synopsis calls it his “most dangerous case yet.”
Joining Craig is a fresh star lineup that includes Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, and Josh O’Connor. Kunis plays a police chief named Geraldine Scott, while Brolin and O’Connor take on the roles of priests. Andrew Scott, seen holding a knife in the teaser, could be central to the mystery, while Spaeny’s absence from major scenes has sparked speculation that her character may be the story’s first casualty.
Director Rian Johnson, who also wrote the script, continues to shape the Knives Out world with each film presenting a fresh tone and setting. Unlike its predecessors, this one leans towards gothic drama and suspense, with ghostly visuals and a more sinister feel.
Netflix snapped up the rights for two sequels in a reported £320 million (₹3,360 crores) deal after the success of the original Knives Out. With Wake Up Dead Man, the streaming platform seems to be banking on another hit. Craig, now a familiar face as the clever and quirky Blanc, once again steps into the chaos to piece together a murder that no one else can solve.
With hints, red herrings, and a packed cast, this December release is shaping up to be more than just another sequel. In fact, it may just be the most gripping chapter yet.