A NUMBER of sporting superstars and clubs from Bradford will battle it out for national awards.

Shapla Sports has been nominated for a prize at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSAs).

The organisation is one of four contenders for the Tennis Foundation’s Special Recognition Award at the BEDSAs, which are organised by Sporting Equals to celebrate ethnic diversity in sport.

It holds sessions every fortnight at the BEAP Community Sports Hall, Cornwall Road, Manningham, for children aged between eight and 15, which are regularly attended by around 30 budding Andy Murrays.

Shapla was created to help the Bangladeshi community in the city get involved in sport, by providing them with opportunities for development in a number of different activities.

Humayun Islam, who coaches at the session, said: “It’s an honour to be recognised for our hard work by BEDSA.

“It has been fantastic bringing a sport like tennis to the community.

“Many in the community have had little or no experience with tennis, and to be provided with the skills and support to participate by both the Tennis Foundation and Sporting Equals has been brilliant”

Shapla Sports will be vying for the Tennis Foundation’s award at this year’s BEDSAs alongside faith centre Khizra Mosque in Manchester, the North London Muslim Community Centre, and the Dery Foundation based in Birmingham.

Meanwhile, a martial arts expert from Bradford has been nominated in the BEDSA young sports person of the year category, one of nine of of the 11 that will be decided by public vote.

Harleen Kaur, 18, who trains in karate, kick-boxing, ju-jitsu and taekwondo and is a second dan black belt, is vying for public votes in her category.

Her previous honours have included an Asian Women of Achievement Award Winner - Sportswoman Of The Year and silver medal at the WMKF World Championships last year.

In 2015, she won a gold at the World Martial Kombat Federation (WMKF) British Championships and a silver at the WMKF World Championships.

She said: “I feel humbled and honoured to be shortlisted for this award.”

The ceremony’s third nominee from Bradford is Ezdihar Abdulmula, co-founder and manager of Bradford Cobras basketball team, who has been shortlisted in the British Army Unsung Hero category.

The awards will take place on Saturday, March 18, in London. To vote, by March 5, go to bedsa.co.uk/vote.