Baljit Singh Rihal
Nominee Profile
Location: Buckinghamshire
For well over a decade, I’ve been dedicated to championing fair and visible South Asian representation in football. As a British Sikh, creating space for others to be seen, celebrated, and supported has always been at the heart of everything I do.
In 2012, I founded the Asian Football Awards to shine a light on British South Asians making an impact across all levels of the game. From grassroots volunteers to professionals, the platform has helped uncover role models and challenge outdated narratives. Our 2024 edition was the most inclusive yet — with a strong focus on celebrating women in football, something I believe is vital for long-term equity in the sport.
That work later extended into cricket through the Asian Cricket Awards, further highlighting untold stories and emerging South Asian talent.
In 2011, I became a FIFA Licensed Football Agent, and proudly, the first turbaned Sikh to hold this position. In a field not known for its diversity, being visibly different has helped others believe they, too, can belong. It’s more than a professional milestone — it’s a symbol of representation that matters.
Through regular appearances on Sky Sports News and The BBC, I continue to advocate for inclusion and representation in sport. My views are often featured in mainstream media publications, particularly on South Asians in football and the global sports business.
Outside of sport, I serve the community as a Presiding Justice (Magistrate) — a role I’ve held for over 15 years. It's a privilege to contribute to a more balanced and representative justice system, helping ensure the bench reflects the society around us.
Truthfully, I’m more used to giving awards than receiving them, so this nomination is both humbling and heartening. It’s a reminder of the impact this work has had, and the journey still ahead.
Representation matters — and I’ll continue doing all I can to help others feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are.
In 2012, I founded the Asian Football Awards to shine a light on British South Asians making an impact across all levels of the game. From grassroots volunteers to professionals, the platform has helped uncover role models and challenge outdated narratives. Our 2024 edition was the most inclusive yet — with a strong focus on celebrating women in football, something I believe is vital for long-term equity in the sport.
That work later extended into cricket through the Asian Cricket Awards, further highlighting untold stories and emerging South Asian talent.
In 2011, I became a FIFA Licensed Football Agent, and proudly, the first turbaned Sikh to hold this position. In a field not known for its diversity, being visibly different has helped others believe they, too, can belong. It’s more than a professional milestone — it’s a symbol of representation that matters.
Through regular appearances on Sky Sports News and The BBC, I continue to advocate for inclusion and representation in sport. My views are often featured in mainstream media publications, particularly on South Asians in football and the global sports business.
Outside of sport, I serve the community as a Presiding Justice (Magistrate) — a role I’ve held for over 15 years. It's a privilege to contribute to a more balanced and representative justice system, helping ensure the bench reflects the society around us.
Truthfully, I’m more used to giving awards than receiving them, so this nomination is both humbling and heartening. It’s a reminder of the impact this work has had, and the journey still ahead.
Representation matters — and I’ll continue doing all I can to help others feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are.