# @baljitrihal on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DCzpp5Gu-On
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59660731-baljitrihal-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3969f31bd9.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-11-25T20:02:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Baljit Singh Rihal (@baljitrihal) — https://gondola.cc/baljitrihal

## Caption

‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’– Nelson Mandela 

Throwback to 2013 at the 2nd Asian Football Awards, held at Wembley Stadium – an iconic venue and a defining moment for the mission of advocating for South Asians in football. With high-profile guests and mainstream media in attendance, it was a night I’ll never forget. 

On the surface, I might not have looked nervous, but inside, I was nervous as hell. When I stepped up to give my speech, the magnitude of the event truly hit me. Here we were, shining a spotlight on under-representation in football, celebrating the achievements of South Asians in the game, and challenging a status quo that had ignored so much talent for far too long. 

This mission has always been about the community – the unsung heroes, those working tirelessly behind the scenes, and those making their mark on the pitch. This is why we do this. To ensure that future generations see role models who look like them and believe they can make it too. Representation matters, and events like these prove just how much. 

The 2013 event brought together 600 people – perhaps overly ambitious in size, but it showed how much passion and interest existed around this cause. It was a steep learning curve, teaching me about sponsorships, event management, and navigating such a high-profile occasion. But more than anything, it reinforced the importance of the mission: to advocate relentlessly, to tell the stories that need to be heard, and to push for meaningful change. 

Fast forward to September this year, and the Asian Football Awards returned after a 7-year gap. Bringing the South Asian football community and key UK football bodies together again reminded me why this work is so vital. There are still so many stories to uncover, people to celebrate, and barriers to break down. 

The beard’s longer now, but the drive to address under-representation in football remains the same. This is for the community, for the future, and for change. We’re not stopping any time soon. Already looking forward to the next Asian Football Awards.

#AsianFootballAwards #SouthAsian #Football #SouthAsiansInFootball #Throwback #WembleyStadium #Singh #Punjabi

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 39
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## Tags

throwback, southasian, asianfootballawards, punjabi, southasiansinfootball, singh, football, wembleystadium

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