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Saturday, September 15, 2012

SALMA BI - WHAT A YEAR SO FAR!





WHAT a fantastic year 2012 has been so far for award-winning sportsman Salma Bi - and there could still be more to come.
Over the past nine months, Salma's status in both the sporting world and Asian community has risen dramatically.
JANUARY
The year began with a two-page colour feature on Salma in The Asian Today newspaper which discussed her cricketing background and ambitious plans for 2012.
FEBRUARY
It was a good month for the Great White Sharks, the first female all-Asian futsal team to enter the Birmingham Women's League, and founded by Salma.
Their best result was an 8-1 win over Stingers B, in which Salma had a superb game in goal and Nazma Shaheen and Camilla Olsen scored four goals each.
MARCH
March was a huge month for Salma. Before International Women's Day, Sky Sports travelled to Birmingham to film Salma coaching cricket to young ladies.
She was later presented with a CD of all the footage, including interviews with her and some of the girls at the training session,
On March 10, Salma staged a non-stop Futsal Marathon at the Birmingham International Futsal Arena which lasted for a record 10 hours.
Salma captained Team Red and her friend Gemma Smith, the Arena's technical manager, led Team Blue in a highly successful event which raised over £1,000 for the National Autistic Society.
Twenty-four females took part and the Blue team won 167-100.
APRIL
Just six weeks later, Salma was back at the Arena in April hosting the Indoor T10 World Cup Cricket Tournament.
Teams representing England, Australia, Pakistan and India met on a round-robin basis and eventually the England team, captained by Salma, won a thrilling final against Australia.
Again over £1,000 was raised, this time for Mencap.
During April, Salma also appeared with her sister Anisha on Noor TV, where the pair discussed cricket and other sporting issues with presenter Ahmed Boston.
MAY
This month saw Salma gain deserved reward for her efforts in promoting sport when she was invited to two glittering award ceremonies in London.
At the Muslim Women Sports Foundation awards at Wembley Stadium, Salma was a finalist in the Services to Sport category.
Two weeks later, Salma was back in the capital at the ASIAN WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT awards at the plush Hilton Hotel.
This time Salma's success hit new heights as she was named the inaugural winner of the SPORT category, beating off the challenge of Britain's No1 women's tennis player Anne Keothavong.
Salma was a huge hit in this ceremony, her acceptance speech was the best of the night and the praise was ringing in her ears as she left the arena.
May really was a fantastic month for Salma as she also starred on the cricket field, helping Worcestershire Ladies to the top of Division Two. In a match against Cheshire, Salma claimed her best figures for the county of 4-25 off 10 overs.
JUNE
In June, Salma was featured in national magazine ALL OUT CRICKET where she answered questions about her career in a half-page spread. Great publicity!
Weatherwise, the summer was proving frustrating, with endless rain limiting Salma's cricket playing opportunities.
However, she kept busy on the Futsal court.
JULY
In July the Great White Sharks became the only team to beat league champions Two Left Feet during the season. Salma also scored three times from her goal!
AUGUST
It was back to winning awards in August, as Salma lifted the NatWest Volunteer of the Year accolade in the Building Partnerships category during a ceremony at Edgbaston.
Salma was also the subject of a two-page article in Fifteen21, a new internet magazine covering all aspects of Asian life.
The biggest triumph of August, however, came back at the Futsal Arena, where Salma and Gemma inspired a new record 20-hour non-stop Futsal marathon.
Thirty-three ladies took part, and Salma's Team Lime defeated Gemma's Team Tango 163-114.
Over £2,000 was raised for Cerebral Palsy Midlands on an unforgettable occasion which lasted from 4am to midnight!
SEPTEMBER
September has already delivered a major highlight for the Queen ov Speen!
Playing for North Wales side Hawarden Park in Cheshire Women's County League Division Three, Salma claimed career best bowling figures of 5-10 as Hawarden celebrated a famous victory in the last over at Oxton.
There are still three months of this year left to go, but whatever happens between now and the end of December, 2012 has been a truly remarkable year in the life of the inspirational Salma Bi.
And while her personal achievements can only be praised, Salma is always first to acknowledge her successes would not be possible without the help of others.
Teamwork is a key word for this very special person, who will continue to set new goals.

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