Sports and Belonging: The Fight for South Asian Representation with Baljit Rihal
In this episode of Game Changers, we delve into an often-overlooked topic: the underrepresentation of South Asians in national sports teams. While South Asians are avid sports fans, filling stadiums and supporting their favorite teams passionately, their presence on the field remains alarmingly sparse. Why is this the case?
Baljit Rihal, a football agent and a prominent advocate for South Asian representation in football, joins us in exploring this pressing issue. He sheds light on the significant gap between South Asians’ enthusiasm for sports and their participation at grassroots levels and professional academies. Is it merely a lack of opportunities, or are deeper stereotypes and systemic barriers at play?
Sports are more than just games—they’re a reflection of identity, belonging, and national pride. For South Asians growing up in countries far from their ancestral homelands, representation on the field could offer a sense of connection and validation. But when their faces are missing from the teams they cheer for, the message can feel disheartening.
This episode challenges us to rethink the intersection of sports, diversity, and identity. Tune in to uncover why diversity in sports matters and how bridging this gap can redefine what it means to truly belong.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (Music credit: https://freesound.org/people/TheoJT/sounds/569783/)
About Baljit Rihal
Baljit Rihal is a FIFA Licensed Players’ Agent and founder of Inventive Sports, a consultancy specialising in bridging European and Indian football markets. He has been instrumental in facilitating transfers to the Indian Super League (ISL) and advising companies entering India’s sports sector.
A passionate advocate for South Asian representation in football, Baljit founded the Asian Football Awards in 2012 to honour and amplify the contributions of British South Asians in the sport. Supported by major organisations such as The FA and the Premier League, the awards have become a prominent event in the football industry.
Through his work, Baljit continues to champion diversity and inclusion, striving to create opportunities for underrepresented communities and drive impactful change across the football landscape.
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