British Asian Rugby Association

THE QUEEN OF PUNJAB: BREAKING BARRIERS, MAKING HISTORY

What an absolute joy it was to interview the truly inspirational Manjinder Nagra for our Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby.

Manjinder excelled in rugby, becoming the first Sikh woman to represent England. More recently, she took on a completely new challenge and became an English sumo champion.

Throughout it all, she has built a distinguished career as a lawyer, becoming the first Sikh President of the Sussex Law Society, and is now making her mark on the speaking circuit.

We should never underestimate the barriers Manjinder has faced, and continues to face, as a brown South Asian woman. She has had to challenge prejudice, cultural expectations and spaces where women like her were rarely seen or heard.

I was genuinely in awe listening to her story. Every first has been hard earned. Manjinder has not only broken barriers and made history herself, she continues to open doors and pave the way for others.

This is exactly why support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is so important. It enables us to uncover, record and preserve pioneering stories like Manjinder’s, ensuring that the achievements and experiences of South Asian communities are recognised, shared and not lost from rugby’s history.

Thanks to National Lottery players, these powerful stories can be passed on to inspire future generations.

Jazz Chana : HERITAGE PROFILE

Following the recent introduction to Jazz Chana, we are proud to share more of his rugby journey.

From his early playing days in Leeds to becoming a respected player, coach and mentor, Jazz has made an important contribution to the game.

As one of the original pioneers of South Asian involvement in rugby, his influence has continued through his work with West Leeds and BARA, supporting younger players both on and off the field.

Jazz’s full story will also feature in a special video interview, where he will share his memories and experiences in his own words.

Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.

Today we recognise Jazz Chana, one of the original pioneers of South Asian involvement in rugby and a valued member of the BARA family.

Jazz’s full heritage profile and special video interview will follow soon, sharing his rugby journey and memories in his own words.

Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Huge congratulations to everyone involved in Rugby League India on this historic achievement and becoming an official member of International Rugby League.

We have had the privilege of knowing some of the people behind this development and have seen first hand how hard they have worked behind the scenes over many years to reach this point.

Over the years, we have been approached by a number of groups with ambitions to develop rugby league in India, but I genuinely believe this is the right organisation, led by people with the experience, commitment and integrity to take the game forward.

They will be a real driving force in developing the sport across India and a great addition to the international rugby league family.

A proud and historic moment for Indian rugby league. Wishing everyone involved every success for the journey ahead.

👏Please welcome Rugby League India as the latest International Rugby League Member.

A vote of International Rugby League Full Member nations approved Rugby League India’s admission to the IRL as an Observer Member following a 20-month application period.

RLIN is the 57th national federation and the third in Asia.

📰 Full details: 🔗 in bio

Navneet Sembi: HERITAGE PROFILE

Following the recent introduction to Navneet Sembi, we are proud to share more of his rugby union journey.

From first discovering rugby at Crossley Heath School to representing Yorkshire age groups and playing for Old Crossleyans, Navneet has built a lifelong connection with the game.

Today, as junior chairman and coach at Old Crossleyans, he is helping to grow the junior section, break down barriers and introduce rugby to more children and families from the local community.

Navneet’s full story will also feature in a special video interview, where he will share his memories and experiences in his own words.

Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.

Navneet Sembi

A respected player, award-winning coach, junior section Chair and rugby union development pioneer. Today we recognise the name. His full story will follow tomorrow.

Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Keith Sandhu: HERITAGE PROFILE

Following the recent introduction to Keith Sandhu, we are proud to share more of his rugby league journey.

From his early playing days and university rugby to representing BARA and the GB Pioneers, Keith has built a strong reputation as a player, coach and leader.

His contribution has also taken him across the world, helping to develop rugby league in more than 18 countries and creating opportunities for others through the game.

Keith’s full story will also feature in a special video interview, where he will share his memories and experiences in his own words.

Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line: Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby project.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.

Keith Sandhu

A respected player, coach and rugby league development pioneer. Today we recognise the name. His full story will follow.

Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby Project.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Rugby, Culture and a Place to Belong

BARA was delighted to be invited by Blake Simmons and rugby star Marisa Lowe from England Rugby to be part of the Muslim Scout Fellowship International Jamboree.

It was fantastic to see thousands of young people picking up a rugby ball, learning new skills and enjoying the game.

This is what reaching new communities is all about, taking rugby to where people are, creating opportunities and helping more young people feel that the game is for them.

It also connects strongly with BARA’s wider heritage work. Sport is an important part of our heritage, culture and identity, and events like this help create new stories and memories for the next generation.

As an organisation that has spent many years breaking down barriers and increasing South Asian representation in rugby, it was great for BARA to support such a positive event.

A huge well done to the Muslim Scout Fellowship, England Rugby and everyone involved in making it happen.

Sport is our culture and inclusion matters.

Beyond the Try Line News – Leeds Road Festival

Our latest newsletter captures BARA’s heritage exhibition at this year’s Leeds Road Festival and celebrates the important role sport plays in culture, inclusion and bringing communities together.

A special mention to the founders Yaseen Mohammed and Saleem Akhtar, whose vision and hard work continue to make the Leeds Road Festival such an important celebration for Bradford.

Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.