# @baljitrihal on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DCmAYiutFFa
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59660714-baljitrihal-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0199012a33.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-11-20T12:53:09.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Baljit Singh Rihal (@baljitrihal) — https://gondola.cc/baljitrihal

## Caption

I had the honour of delivering the opening speech at The Asian Football Awards at Wembley Stadium in September—a night dedicated to celebrating the achievements of South Asians in football and shining a light on the work still ahead. 

In my speech, I reflected on the progress we’ve made since our last gathering in 2017. From Hamza Choudhury returning to the Premier League to Yan Dhanda thriving in the Scottish Premier League, from Asmita Ale shining in the Women’s Super League to Sunny Singh Gill becoming the first South Asian referee in the Premier League—we’ve seen some truly inspiring milestones. 

These achievements underscore the undeniable talent within our communities. Yet, they also highlight the stark reality: South Asians remain critically underrepresented at the elite level of football. While participation is high at the grassroots level, barriers to entry at academies and professional pathways persist. 

This is why representation matters. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about creating role models. When young South Asians see people who look like them excelling on the pitch, in the dugout, in the boardroom, or in the media, it inspires belief and fuels ambition. 

We need continued commitment from across the football ecosystem to ensure access, opportunity, and support for the next generation. Together, we must bridge the gap and unlock the full potential of a vast, overlooked talent pool. 

A heartfelt thank you to currencies4you, The Football Association, The premierleague, the_pfa ,fa_pgmol and fansfordiversity for your unwavering support. Your efforts are critical in driving this change. 

Let’s keep this momentum going. The future is bright for South Asians in football—but only if we continue to push forward. Together, we can en that dreams are not just within reach—they’re a reality.

(media partner britasiatv) 

#RepresentationMatters #SouthAsian #Football #SouthAsiansInFootball #FootballForAll #DiversityInSport #Diversity #Inclusion #Community #Representation

## Stats

- **Views:** 365
- **Likes:** 41
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1

## Tags

southasian, footballforall, southasiansinfootball, inclusion, representationmatters, representation, diversityinsport, football, diversity, community

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