The Importance of South Asian Heritage Month
Abdullah Mamaniyat
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) was first launched in July 2019 at the UK House of Commons. The inaugural SAHM took place in 2020. The purpose of the month is to celebrate diversity through South Asian representation, culture and more that forms the identity of a multicultural United Kingdom.
Beyond The Pitch had the pleasure to talk to Arsenal Women Supporters Club (AWSC)’s chairperson Farah Chowdhury. AWSC was founded in 2015 and aims to bridge a purposeful link between Arsenal Women FC and the supporters. As a third generation Brit, she believes that this is an important month to commemorate.
It is important to learn the history behind how South Asia came to fruition in the first instance, with the end of British imperialism in India 77 years ago playing a major role for years to come.
On 17 August 1947, British India (also known as British Raj) was dissolved and partitioned under the rule of George VI – grandfather of King Charles - ending generations of imperialism in the name of trade. After the economic fallout from World War II, Britain let go of their greatest empire and the partition sparked a sectarian border war and mass migration ensued: Hindus and Sikhs headed in one direction, Muslims migrated to West Pakistan (now simply identified as Pakistan) and East Pakistan (inadvertently creating Bangladesh). As a dire consequence of independence, horrifying violence and loss of lives ensued, mass numbers would migrate as first-generation settlers to European countries alongside those who had already migrated after the Second World War. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka are other countries that are celebrated during SAHM.
“My grandparents arrived in England in the early 60’s with dreams of a better life,” as Farah recalls her own family experiences. “Their journey was filled with hardships—adapting to a new culture, facing discrimination, and starting from scratch. They worked tirelessly to provide for the family and instilled in us the values of hard work and resilience. Their story is a constant reminder of the strength and determination needed to succeed, which has greatly influenced my journey in sports.”
This story resonates with many, if not all British Asians living in the UK today. The first generation arrived and lived for survival in the United Kingdom, creating their own values along the way. The second generation fought for an identity in Britain to instil a legacy. The third/fourth generation of today have reaped the benefits of the last 50-60 years by often being able to pursue their own dreams but live for a better tomorrow knowing that there is still work to be done for future generations ahead.
The current situation in the United Kingdom & Ireland, which has seen far-right rioters persecute BAME people and places of worship in horrendous ways, has felt like a brutal kick in the face to many of us, questioning our identities as British-born citizens. Is this really our country? Do we really feel safe? It is a harsh reality to think that those first generationers who are still alive today must experience this – again – in 2024.
Therefore, the importance of recognising SAHM is perhaps more important than it ever has been before.
“For me, SAHM is about recognizing the unique challenges and triumphs that come with being a South Asian woman [in sports] and using this platform to inspire and empower the next generation,” said Farah.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2021 Census results showed that 9.3% of the population in England and Wales was made up of the Asian or Asian British ethnic group. The census is only released every 10 years, therefore not reflective of the growing rise in recent years. Even by those statistics, SA represents the second largest ethnic group in England and Wales. A more telling representation of the present is the mark of South Asians in leading positions in the world of media, politics and sports.
The fight for representation in sports is still a huge challenge in 2024. For those who have made it, it is a commendable achievement in paving the way for future generations. In the women’s game, Chelsea superstar Sam Kerr headlines a small pool of female footballers with South Asian heritage. Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel, Rosie Kmita, Millie Chandarana and Simran Jhamat are other examples, but it is a stark reminder that much work needs to be done to increase diversity for South Asian women at all levels.
“It’s crucial for South Asian communities, especially women, to make their mark in sports,” Farah added.
“Representation is powerful—it breaks down stereotypes and inspires others to follow their passions. Seeing someone who looks like you succeed in sports can be incredibly motivating. It shows that with dedication and support, barriers can be overcome. Our presence in these underrepresented industries also promotes diversity and inclusion, enriching the sports community as a whole.”
At the latest FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sam Kerr was the only representative from over 700 women from a South Asian background. The film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ was released over 22 years ago and the sport now has footballing role models for aspiring young girls that don’t need to be a male footballer. The movie broke down adversities that young girls from a South Asian household typically face in the pursuit of un-orthodox careers.
Farah called her own experiences of this:
“Growing up, I faced several cultural barriers. There was often a lack of understanding and support for pursuing sports seriously. Traditional expectations prioritised academics and conventional career paths over athletic pursuits.
Additionally, there were stereotypes about South Asian women’s physical capabilities and suitability for sports. These challenges were compounded by limited access to facilities and sometimes facing discrimination within sports environments.”
The Lionesses’ victory at Euro 2022 created a football fever for the nation, subsequently backed by UK government funding for increasing broadcasting, grassroots, and diversity in the game. Ahead of the 2024/25 season, independent company NewCo will run the women’s professional game in England as a governor, as the top two tiers will move towards a structure where all clubs will become shareholders of the company too.
Furthermore, as the UK leans in towards investing more money in the professional women’s game, a focus on the grassroots level to increase awareness and participation in the game whilst reducing stigmas around women’s football will benefit future generations to come. Last year, the UK Government and FA announced an additional £30 million injection into the Lionesses Futures Fund that ultimately boosts equal opportunities by creating sports facilities that give equal access to sport in schools for both genders.
The future looks bright for the women’s game, and as a measure of success, we can look at how much the women’s game has progressed since the 2010’s. More funding, more exposure, more broadcasting deals and more merchandise being available is a fantastic measure of how accessible the game is today. Constructive change never stops, and ten years from now it could be completely different for South Asian women athletes in women’s football too.
“In the next ten years, I believe representation for South Asian women athletes at the top level can see significant progress. With ongoing efforts to promote diversity and the increasing visibility of South Asian role models in sports, more young women will be inspired and supported to reach elite levels.
Programs aimed at nurturing talent and breaking down cultural barriers will play a crucial role in this advancement. I am optimistic that we will see more South Asian women excelling in various sports, celebrated for their achievements on the global stage.”
To summarise what those changes could look like, we asked Farah about what UK governing bodies could do to encourage South Asian communities to get involved in the game. Whether that be to improve their cardio or social interactions to seriously pursue a career – what are the steps to take?
UK governing bodies can take several steps to encourage South Asian communities, particularly women, to get involved in sports:
Visibility and Representation: Highlight and promote South Asian female athletes as role models to inspire young girls.
Community Engagement: Conduct outreach programs and workshops within South Asian communities to educate and encourage participation in sports.
Support Systems: Provide mentorship and support networks for young South Asian women in sports, helping them navigate cultural and systemic challenges.
Inclusive Policies: Implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of sports, from grassroots to elite.
Accessibility: Improve access to sports facilities and programs in areas with significant South Asian populations, ensuring that financial constraints are not a barrier to participation.
Education: Work with schools and community organisations to integrate sports more effectively into the lives of South Asian girls, emphasising the importance of physical activity alongside academic achievements.
By taking these steps, UK governing bodies can create a more inclusive and supportive environment, enabling South Asian women to thrive in sports at all levels.
South Asian Heritage Month runs from the 18th of July to 17th August.
Photo: https://x.com/ArsenalWomenSC/status/1813528638689513563