Keighley boxer hoping to become a big hit (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Keighley boxer hoping to become a big hit

Ambreen Sadiq hopes to gain more acceptance from the Asian community after being nominated for the junior female sports personality of the year at the British Asian Sports Awards.

Ambreen Sadiq is calling on the public to vote for her

The 15-year-old Eastburn Amat-eur Boxing Club member has made a short list of three for the national accolade and will attend a glitzy ceremony in London on Saturday, February 6.

She admits she can’t wait to rub shoulders with celebrities at a function which has, in the past, attracted the likes of Amir Khan and Girls Aloud.

But the prospect of winning the prize could have greater significance, helping the Keighley youngster gain support for her participation in a sport which has been met with opposition.

She said: “I’m really happy and excited. To be going to London to mix with all the celebrities will be wicked! I’ve never been to an awards ceremony before and I can’t wait.

“If I were to win, it will mean a whole lot more because I haven’t had much support from the Asian community.

“If I were to win the award, hopefully I would gain more acceptance.

“It’s sometimes hard to carry on but you just have to get on with it.”

Sadiq became an Amateur Boxing Association national schoolgirls’ champion when she won her category in Manchester last June.

Her performance earned glowing praise from ABA national coach Mick Gannon.

But as the only registered Muslim female boxer in the country, she has not had universal approval.

Her coach Naz Jalil said: “You get mixed feedback about it from the Asian community and, with this being the Asian Sports Awards, it is an acceptance of what she is doing, giving her a pat on the back and the support she needs “Ambreen is strong and she knows she’s got the support of her family and coach, and that’s all she needs. She doesn’t listen to negative comments.

“It is a boost for her but she needs to keep her feet on the ground and focused on her training.”

Sadiq is now keen to gain local backing for the award, which is decided by a public vote.

She said: “I’ve been drumming up support all over the place! I’ve put it on Facebook, told everyone at school and also friends and family.”

Local businesses are backing her bid by donating money towards travel and hotel costs for the awards ceremony.

Jalil said: “With Ambreen, Ambreen’s mum and myself going, we are looking at the trip costing up to £500. As a non-profit making amateur boxing club with limited funds, we don’t have that money.

“Although it’s a great honour to be nominated, it also comes with a cost we just couldn’t afford on our own.

“I would like to thank Neil Tomlinson of MC Keighley for his very generous donation.

“SLP Printing, Autospot Car Spares and CBF Printers have also made kind donations. This is a fantastic show of support from local small businesses, especially in these tough trading times.

“If anyone else can help we would be really grateful.”

If you wish to vote for Ambreen, call 09050260306 or SMS 84555 with the short code BASA 306. For terms and conditions, see the competition website www.basauk.tv/. Voting closes next Thursday.