The first-ever British Asian Rugby Awards have taken place, celebrating the contributions of South Asian communities and players to the sport.

The awards event, hosted by the Bradford-based British Asian Rugby Association (BARA), saw more than 100 guests gather in the State Rooms at Speaker's House, within the House of Commons in London.

Attendees included former Wigan star and Wigan Warriors CEO, Kris Radlinski; Huddersfield Giants owner, Ken Davy; Baroness Manzoor; and MP for Huddersfield, Harpreet Uppal.

The event was hosted by the Bradford-based British Asian Rugby Association, whose founder, Dr Ikram Butt, is pictured here with Sir Lindsay HoyleThe event was hosted by the Bradford-based British Asian Rugby Association, whose founder, Dr Ikram Butt, is pictured here with Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Image: Supplied)

Speakers included the speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle; deputy speaker and Bradford South MP, Judith Cummins; and rugby figures including Tony Sutton.

Among the award winners were Hamza Butt, of Wigan Warriors, who received the Outstanding Talent AwardAmong the award winners were Hamza Butt, of Wigan Warriors, who received the Outstanding Talent Award (Image: Supplied)

Winners included Nimrah Gul (Halifax Panthers) with the Rising Star Award; Hamza Butt (Wigan Warriors) with the Outstanding Talent Award; and Navneet Sembi with the Coach of Excellence Award.

Also recognised were Zeinab Drabu and Starr Zaman, who received Community Excellence Awards; Nasser Hussain, who received the International Excellence Award; and Manjinder Nagra and Beena Chadha, who received Inclusion Awards.

Nasser Hussain received the International Excellence AwardNasser Hussain received the International Excellence Award (Image: Supplied)

Six individuals were also inducted into the BARA Hall of Fame for their "enduring impact" on rugby and their communities.

The individuals inducted were Jaswant Chatha, Mandip Sehmi PLY, Manjinder Nagra, Jagmohan Johal, Junaid Malik, Syed Ali, and Manminder Singh Samra.

Nimrah Gul, of Halifax Panthers, was the recipient of the Rising Star AwardNimrah Gul, of Halifax Panthers, was the recipient of the Rising Star Award (Image: Supplied)

The event also sought to emphasise the need for "systemic change" in the sport.

A spokesperson explained: "Beyond celebration, the awards emphasised the need for systemic change.

Speakers at the event included Phil Davies, former Wales Captain and World Rugby directorSpeakers at the event included Phil Davies, former Wales Captain and World Rugby director (Image: Supplied)

"As noted by the speakers, representation matters, but meaningful progress requires dismantling barriers and fostering leadership that drives genuine inclusivity."

Stephanie Peacock, minister for sport, media, civil society, and youth, said: "Like all sport, rugby has the power to change lives and bring communities closer together.

More than 100 guests attended the event in totalMore than 100 guests attended the event in total (Image: Supplied)

"I'd like to pay tribute to all those honoured tonight and to the British Asian Rugby Association for their fantastic work promoting diversity and representation across both codes."

BARA’s founder, Dr Ikram Butt, the first British South Asian to represent England in either code, summarised the evening’s significance by saying: "This milestone moment not only recognises the achievements of South Asians in rugby but also underscores the power of sport to unite communities and challenge societal divides.

"Hosting this event in Parliament demonstrates the importance of inclusivity and the growing acknowledgment of representation in sport.

"As BARA approaches its 20th anniversary next year, this inaugural awards evening lays the foundation for continued progress, ensuring South Asian representation thrives in rugby for generations to come."

More information about BARA is available at https://bararugby.co.uk/