Asian Standard (Kirklees) 7 - Dec 2021

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SHOWBIZ INSIDE >>>

Sara ON HER 'Atrangi Re'

CHARACTER: I AM NOT REBELLIOUS LIKE RINKU.

ARE YOU BINGE-WATCHING TOO MUCH? HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR TV HABITS ARE A PROBLEM – AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Time for some festive comfort with this ‘supremely’ delicious

Boneless Chicken Thighs with Sage & Onion Crumb Stuffing recipe.

See page 21

See page 8

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN SUNDAY

KIRKLEES / 6 - 12 DECEMBER 2021 / FREE

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SIX MEN HAVE SENTENCES INCREASED

BY A JOINT 28 YEARS FOR THE BRUTAL

MURDER OF BRADLEY GLEDHILL,

BATLEY

Read more on pages 6 & 7

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KIRKLEES

E ditors N ot e

NEWS ROUNDUP STORMING OF WEMBLEY STADIUM DURING EURO FINAL DESCRIBED AS 'ENGLAND'S DAY OF SHAME'

l e t a P Fatima

So, we’ve hit the month of December and suddenly the realisation of how fast 2021 has gone has hit me. I am not sure about the rest of you, but 2021 seems like a fog for me.

Could that be because so much has happened, or simply because my memory is so overloaded that I can’t care to sift through what I want to recall and what I don’t? Well one thing is for certain and that’s – mental health.

Naturally as people who work in the world of media, we (and I am sure many of you in other industries too) work in a very stressful environment of deadlines, chasing breaking and exclusive news stories, which can from time to time take its toll.

Life can be extremely stressful, but it is the method you choose to deal with that stress is what matters and so I am really happy to read about Bradford mum Safeena’s inspirational battle in coping with mental health, especially as within the South Asian community this tends to be a very difficult topic to approach and often the first point of call is spiritual with no thought of medical support.

Do read her story at www.asianstandard.co.uk as I am sure she will give you something to think about.

Keeping our mental health in check should be the same as keeping a check on the food we eat. We owe it to ourselves to be physically and mentally healthy for us and for our loved ones.

Hippocrates once said: “The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings” One thing that helps me relax is cooking, (I am sure there will be something that helps you relax) So, after a busy week in the newsroom, I am going to certainly try out the yummy chicken thigh stuffed with sage and onion crumb recipe on page 21. Do try it yourselves and let’s meet again next week.

A damning review of disorder at London's Wembley Stadium has said that ticketless, drunken and drugged-up thugs could have caused death as they stormed the stadium.

The review, led by Louise Casey, examined the events at Wembley in the run-up to the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, when around 2,000 people managed to gain illegal entry into the stadium.

Casey described the scenes of disorder as a day of national shame. Italy went on to beat England on penalties to become

European champions. Following the incident, England were given a one-match stadium ban and fined 100,000 euros by European football's governing body UEFA, Xinhua reports.

In her report, Casey said there had been a collective failure in planning for the match on July 11. This included a vulnerable stewarding operation lacking experience partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a police deployment arriving too late. Casey added the knowledge that 25,000 of the stadium's

Image: Mitch Rosen Unsplash

Wembley Stadium

2 BELGIAN ZOO HIPPOS INFECTED WITH COVID

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Two hippopotamuses in a zoo in Belgium have contracted Covid and have been taken into quarantine, it has been reported.

According to officials at Antwerp zoo, Imani, aged 14, and Hermien, 41, caught the virus, BBC reported. The animals are doing well, apart from having runny noses, the officials said. Meanwhile, restrictions have been tightened at the zoo until the animals test negative.

Globally, there have been several reports of captive and domesticated animals infected with SARS-CoV-2. The hippos' noses are usually wet, but vets at Antwerp Zoo decided to test the pair after they noticed they were "expelling

snot", the report said. Their enclosure has been sealed off. Their handlers --who have tested negative -- must wear masks and safety glasses, and disinfect their footwear before any contact with the hippos. "To my knowledge, it's the first recorded contamination among this species. Throughout the world this virus has mostly been seen in great apes and felines," Antwerp Zoo vet Francis Vercammen was quoted as saying. Earlier this week, Canada also confirmed that three Covid cases had been discovered in wild deer -- the first such report in the country's wildlife. But limited testing means no-one knows how prevalent coronavirus is in the wild, the report said.

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90,000 seats would be left empty because of COVID-19 restrictions contributed to a perfect storm of factors.

"Our team of role models were in our first major final for 55 years. However, they were let down by a horde of ticketless, drunken and drugged-up thugs who chose to abuse innocent, vulnerable and disabled people, as well as police officers, volunteers and Wembley staff," said Casey.

"We are genuinely lucky that there was not much more serious injury or worse and need to take the toughest possible action against people who think a football match is somehow an excuse to behave like that," she added.

The report said there had been a collective failure among the organisations who staged the final to plan for the foreseeable risk of disorder and ticketless fans converging on the stadium.

Alcohol and drugs were a key factor in the disorder as fans arrived at the stadium up to eight hours before kick-off. Casey, who made a number of recommendations to avert a repeat of the events, said authorities should be empowered to act more strongly against fans using drugs, flares and smoke bombs at matches and around stadiums, and entering stadiums without a ticket.

Responding to the report, Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said the lessons learned from this review will ensure that fans have a good experience at major international events at Wembley, as they have for many years. "Collectively we must never allow this to happen again. We fully accept the report's findings and there are important learnings for us, as well as other agencies involved."

BRITISH MAN BECOMES FIRST TO GET 3D-PRINTED EYEBALL A middle-aged man in the UK has become the first in the world to have a 3D-printed eye fitted as part of a trial, according to reports.

Doctors at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London fitted the first ever 3D-printed eye on Steve Verze, 40, the Daily Mail reported.

Verze from Hackney in London lost his left eye in his 20s and has since been using prosthetics -- which need to be replaced every five years, the Daily Mail reported. An engineer by profesion, Verze said the plastic acrylic versions have left him feeling "self-conscious".

While the 3D printed version will not restore vision in his left eye, Verze said the new 3D eye will look far more like a real eye.

"I've needed a prosthetic since I was 20, and I've always felt self-conscious about it. When I leave my home, I often take a second glance in the mirror, and I've not liked what I've seen. This new eye looks fantastic and, being based on 3D digital printing technology, it is only going to be better and better," Verze was quoted as saying. According to doctors at the hospital, who are offering patients 3D-printed eyes as part of a clinical trial, it could halve the waiting times for prosthetics -- from about six weeks to just three. A 3D printed eye takes just two-and-ahalf hours to print.

The current procedure requires surgery to the socket and a two-hour moulding session

Image: Steve Verze, Moorfields Eye Hospital

Doctors hope 3D printing will revolutionize the eyeball prosthesis industry to ensure it fits. Patients must also attend appointments over several days where the prosthetic is painted to match the other one as closely as possible. But the new technique involves a scan of the empty socket so that software can build a map of the area.

The good eye is also scanned to ensure it is a match. The digital maps are then sent to Germany where they are manufactured by a 3D-printer within two-and-a-half hours. This is

OLD-STYLE £20 AND £50 NOTES CIRCULATION TO END A cut-off date has been announced for the oldstyle of £20 and £50 to be removed from circulation completely.

Paper £20 and £50 notes will no longer be accepted as legal tender as of September 30, 2022.

The new, polymer £20 notes were introduced in February 2020 to replace the paper ones which apparently are more susceptible to fraud.

The polymer £50 and £20 notes contain advanced security features, completing the most secure set of Bank of England polymer banknotes yet. The newer notes are also more durable.

The note joined the Churchill £5 and the Austen £10, meaning all Bank of England banknotes are now available on polymer.

A statement by the Bank of England previously said:

FACEBOOK MESSENGER TO GET BUILT-IN BILL SPLITTING FEATURE Facebook's parent company Meta will be introducing a built-in bill splitting feature in Facebook Messenger that it will test with users in the US beginning from next week.

According to The Verge, the feature could be useful for situations like divvying up a restaurant bill with your friends or splitting a bill with roommates.

With the feature, users can ask for money from people right in a group chat and see who has paid their portion of the request. They can see how it all works in a series of screenshots below from Meta.

The feature arrives shortly after David Marcus, Meta's cryptocurrency chief and former Messenger

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"Many banks will accept withdrawn notes as deposits from customers. The Post Office may also accept withdrawn notes as a deposit into any bank account you can access at the Post Office.

"And, you can always exchange withdrawn notes with us".

So if you have any paper notes lying around in your savings stash, then now might be a good time to get them exchanged.

Image: Meta

Facebook Messenger’s upcoming bill splitting feature lead, announced he would be leaving the company.

Meta has also added new Group Effects, which let people on Messenger and Instagram video calls use the same augmented reality effects together, it has made with popular creators.

Three are available now, including one that makes it look like your connection is buffering created with Zach King, and one from Emma Chamberlain which arrived on December 6. As per The Verge, Meta recently introduced new 'soundmoji' as well. Two are inspired

by Stranger Things (ahead of the new season coming out next summer) and one that plays a clip from Taylor Swift's 'Red'.

posted back to the hospital which applies the finishing touches and then fits it to a patient.

"We are excited about the potential for this fully digital prosthetic eye. We hope the forthcoming clinical trial will provide us with robust evidence about the value of this new technology, showing what a difference it makes for the patients. It clearly has the potential to reduce waiting lists," said Mandeep Sagoo, a consultant opthalmologist at the hospital.

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MAN JAILED FOR RAPE OF WOMAN A man has been jailed for seven years for the rape of a woman in Huddersfield.

Mohammed Fiaz, aged 49, of Huddersfield was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, 2 December, after he was convicted of the offence, which occurred at an address in the town in October 2019.

He was also made subject of the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Fiaz was arrested and charged following an investigation by the Kirklees District Safeguarding Team.

Mohammed Fiaz

WANTED: DANNY AKTAR, DEWSBURY Police in Dewsbury are appealing for information to locate Daniel ‘Danny’ Aktar who is wanted for failing to appear at court.

The Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing team would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or have information about the 35-year-old who is from the Dewsbury area.

He failed to appear before magistrates for a theft offence and is now wanted on court warrant.

Daniel ‘Danny’ Aktar

A number of enquiries have been ongoing to locate Daniel Aktar and anyone who has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Dewsbury NPT on 101 or make a report online at www.westyorkshire. police.uk/101livechat.

Reports should reference police log 13210582691.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Nominations Open For

Asian Standard' Most Influential

The Asian Standard annual search for the most influential South Asian of Kirklees has begun.

Help us find the most influential people from the South Asian community in Kirklees

Entries close

SUNDAY19 DECEMBER MIDNIGHT

Influential "Someone or something that has an impact on or shapes how people act or how things occur.

A person who convinces others to listen and do what he/she suggests."

If you think you fit this definition or know someone else who does, then we want to hear about you/ them to help compile our annual most influential list for 2021.

To nominate simply email influentiallist@asianstandard.co.uk with as much information as you can about yourself or your nominee. Don't forget to include your contact name and number so we can call you if we need further information.

If you prefer you can also write to us at Asian Standard Newspaper, 5 Green Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5HG Closing date for entries is 19th December 2021 midnight. No further entries will be accepted after this date and the Editor's decision will be final.

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SIX MEN HAVE SE INCREASED BY A FOR THE BRUTAL BRADLEY GLEDH Usman Karolia, 20, Raja Nawaz, 19, Ahmed Karolia, 24, Nabeel Naseer, 19, Nikash Hussain, 17, and Irfan Hussain, 18, jailed for the murder of a man who they continued to attack as he lay defenceless have had their sentences increased by a joint 28 years.

The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team has welcomed a decision by the Court of Appeal to increase the minimum term sentences of all six males for the murder of Bradley Gledhill in Batley from a combined 81 years to a total of 109 years.

Two of Bradley’s friends were also seriously injured in the incident on Park Croft in June 2020, for which the six men were jailed at Leeds Crown Court in July 2021.

After the joint hearing at the Court of Appeal, on Monday December 6, Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP, said: “These men brutally and senselessly attacked their victims, taking the life of Bradley Gledhill.

"Knife crime is a scourge which causes untold human misery, and I am glad that the Court of Appeal saw fit to increase their sentences today.”

The Court of Appeal announced the following increases to the murder sentences.

Usman Kariola

Nikash Hussain

Irfan Hussain

Ahmed Kariola

Nabeel Naseer

Raja Nawaz

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ENTENCES A JOINT 28 YEARS L MURDER OF HILL, BATLEY

Usman Karolia (21) of Lime Tree Avenue, Batley, had the minimum term of his life imprisonment sentence increased from 21 to 27 years.

Ahmed Karolia (24) of Lime Tree Avenue, Batley had the minimum term of his life imprisonment sentence increased from 16 years to 21 years.

Nabeel Naseer (19) of Gordale Close, Dewsbury had the minimum term of his detention for life sentence increased from 11 to 16 years.

Raja Nawaz (19) Longfield Road, Heckmondwike had the minimum term of his life imprisonment sentence increased from 12 to 16 years.

Irfan Hussain (18) Church Walk, Batley, had the minimum term of his detention for life for murder sentence increased from 11 to 16 years.

Nikash Hussain (18) of Low Road, Dewsbury had the minimum term of his detention for life sentence increased from 10 to 13 years.

Aside from the increases to the sentences for Bradley’s murder, four of the males continue to remain sentenced for assaults on Bradley’s friends.

At the previous hearing at Leeds Crown Court in July, Usman Karolia was sentenced to 18 years for attempted murder and five years for Section 18 assault and Ahmed Karolia was sentenced to 14 years for attempted murder.

Nabeel Naseer was sentenced to eight years

for attempted murder and Irfan Hussain was sentence to 10 years for attempted murder.

Those sentences were set to be served alongside the murder sentences.

Bradley was fatally injured in an unprovoked and violent attack in the street during the evening of Sunday 21 June 2020.

The court heard that the 20-year-old and his two friends had come across their attackers by chance with no evidence to suggest a meeting had been planned or of there being any prior contact between the two groups.

They were then attacked by the six with all three victims receiving significant knife injuries.

Police and paramedics attended, but despite treatment including first aid from residents, Bradley did not survive his injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “The attack on Bradley and his friends was a dreadful offence in which a group of six males murdered a young man who they continued to attack even after he lay seriously injured and defenceless. We welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal to increase the sentences of those involved.

“In its judgement, the Court of Appeal concluded that the original sentencing exercise was difficult but said the original sentences for these six men did not reflect the seriousness of the offending and were unduly lenient.

“The Bench did bear in mind the offender’s age and immaturity, but said all the sentences needed to be substantially longer.

“I hope the increase in sentences today will act as a further deterrent to those who think it is acceptable to carry or use knives. This case has had devastating consequences but I hope the increased sentences will be of some further comfort to Bradley’s family and his friends.

“We know the extension of the jail terms was something Bradley’s family wanted to see, and these extended sentences send a clear message about how seriously the justice system treats this offending.

“It is also welcome news for communities in Kirklees that the dangerous males involved in this brutal attack will now be off our streets for an extended period of time.”

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ARE YOU BINGE-WATCHING TOO MUCH? HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR TV HABITS ARE A PROBLEM – AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

BY MARK GRIFFITHS

The term “binge-watch” was a contender for the Oxford English Dictionary’s 2013 word of the year.

Although it didn’t win (“selfie” ultimately took the crown), this pointed to the rise of what was becoming a popular activity of watching multiple episodes of a TV show in a single sitting.

Today, millions of us – including me – regularly consume our favourite series in this way. The proliferation of streaming services over recent years has made it very easy to do. Unsurprisingly, during COVID lockdowns, research shows many of us spent more time binge-watching than usual.

But can binge-watching become problematic or addictive? And if you can’t tear yourself away, what can you do?

Problematic binge-watching isn’t defined by the number of episodes watched (although most researchers agree it’s at least two in a row), or a specific number of hours spent in front of the TV or computer screen. As with other addictive behaviours, more important is whether binge-watching is having a negative impact on other aspects of the person’s life.

Over many years studying addiction, I’ve argued that all addictive behaviours comprise six core components. In relation to binge-watching, this would mean: 1. Binge-watching is the most important thing in the person’s life (salience) 2. The person engages in bingewatching as a way of reliably changing their mood: to feel better in the shortterm or to temporarily escape from something negative in their life (mood modification) 3. Binge-watching compromises key aspects of the person’s life like relationships and education or work (conflict) 4. The number of hours the person spends binge-watching each day has increased significantly over time (tolerance) 5. The person experiences psychological and/or physiological withdrawal symptoms if they’re unable to binge-watch (withdrawal) 6. If the person manages to temporarily stop binge-watching, when they engage in the activity again, they

Image: Shutterstock go straight back into the cycle they were in previously (relapse).

In my view, any person who fulfils these six components would be genuinely addicted to binge-watching.

A person who only fulfils some of these may be exhibiting problematic bingewatching, but wouldn’t be classed as addicted by my criteria.

Like many other behavioural addictions, such as sex addiction, work addiction and exercise addiction, bingewatching addiction is not officially recognised in any psychiatric manuals.

We also don’t have accurate estimates of the prevalence of problematic binge-watching. But research into this phenomenon is growing.

A look at the evidence In the latest study on this topic, a research team in Poland surveyed 645 young adults, all of whom reported that they had watched at least two episodes of one show in a single sitting.

The researchers wanted to understand some of the factors underlying problematic binge-watching.

The authors (who based their

definition of problematic bingewatching partly on my components model of addiction) used a questionnaire they developed in an earlier study to assess problematic binge-watching among participants.

Questions included: “How often do you neglect your duties in favour of watching series?” “How often do you feel sad or irritated when you can’t watch the TV series?” and “How often do you neglect your sleep to bingewatch series?”

Participants had to give answers on a six-point scale from one (never) to six (always). A score above a certain threshold was deemed indicative of problematic binge-watching.

Using a range of other scales, the researchers found that impulse control difficulties, lack of premeditation (difficulties in planning and evaluating the consequences of a given behaviour), watching to escape and forget about problems, and watching to avoid feeling lonely were among the most significant predictors of problematic binge-watching.

Using the same data, the researchers reported in an earlier study that

problematic binge-watching had a significant association with anxietydepressive syndrome. The greater the symptoms of anxiety and depression, the more problematic a person’s bingewatching was.

Other studies have reported similar findings. A study of Taiwanese adults, for example, found problematic binge-watching was associated with depression, anxiety around social interaction and loneliness.

An American study found the behaviour was associated with depression and attachment anxiety.

Most related studies – like this one from Portugal – have also shown escapism to be a key motivation of problematic binge-watching.

In terms of personality traits, research has shown that problematic binge-watching appears to be associated with low conscientiousness (characterised by being impulsive, careless and disorganised) and high neuroticism (characterised by being anxious and prone to negative emotions). We see these types of associations in addictive behaviours more generally.

Breaking the habit If you want to cut down on the number of episodes you watch in one sitting, my golden rule is to stop watching mid-way through an episode.

It’s really hard to stop watching at the end of an episode as so often the show ends with a cliff-hanger.

I also suggest setting realistic daily limits. For me, it’s 2.5 hours if I have work the next day, or up to five hours if I don’t.

And only start watching as a reward to yourself after you’ve done everything you need to in terms of work and social obligations.

Remember, the difference between a healthy enthusiasm and an addiction is that the former adds to your life, whereas the latter detracts from it. If you feel binge-watching is taking over your life, you should seek a referral from your GP to see a clinical psychologist.

Most addictions are symptomatic of other underlying problems.

This article has been written by Director of the International Gaming Research Unit and Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Mark Griffiths of Nottingham Trent University for The Conversation.

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GET TESTED REGULARLY FOR COVID SAYS HEALTH BOSS

BY TONY EARNSHAW A health boss has encouraged people to have regular tests for Covid-19 in an attempt to stave off cases of the new coronavirus variant Omicron.

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, the director of public health for Kirklees Council, said even though the borough’s vaccination rates were positive she was mindful of concerns around the emergence of Omicron.

And she underlined the existing guidelines around testing: a PCR test if someone exhibits symptoms and a lateral flow test if they are asymptomatic.

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s Health and Well-being Board (Dec 2) she said: “Given the fact that we’re trying to manage a possible new variant, what a PCR test enables the lab to do is genetically sequence any result.

“That means we’ll get a better idea very quickly whether we are dealing with a different variant.

“For the purposes of trying to protect at population level, the more people that do PCR tests, the better.

“The rule is: if you have symptoms of Covid [then] getting a PCR test is by far the best way to make sure that you’ve got the most accurate result possible.

“But an LFT test, especially if you can’t get to a PCR testing site, will give you an ability to detect at least if you are

She identified what she described as “a difference in uptake” in the most deprived areas which would be met by setting up pop-up vaccination centres.

In the recent weeks Golcar and the Colne Valley wards have had the highest number of cases, but numbers are generally decreasing.

Kirklees has done “particularly well” with vaccinating under-18s reflecting the effort put into the campaign to reach 12–15-year-olds.

In the last week Slaithwaite/ Linthwaite, Birkby, and Holmfirth/New Mill/Hepworth have seen the highest infection rates with 39, 38 and 36 cases each.

She said excess deaths were comparable to the last five years and

carrying a high viral load but potentially don’t have as many symptoms as perhaps others would.”

that there had been a reduction in the number of Covid-related hospital admissions and Covid in-patients.

Across Kirklees 384,959 people are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. Current figures are:

Infection rates had dropped “quite considerably” with Kirklees presenting the lowest rate in West Yorkshire – 262 per 100,000 – and well below the England average of 440 per 100,000.

• Fully vaccinated with booster: 30.7% • Fully vaccinated with no booster: 41.1% • Partially vaccinated: 7.3% • Unvaccinated: 20.9% Ms Spencer-Henshall said staff had been working hard to access care homes and housebound patients to

Image: Kirklees Council

Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Strategic Director for Public Health at Kirklees Council ensure older people received booster jabs. She said there was “good coverage” in the district.

Based on its most recent figures Kirklees is also ranked 145th out of 149 local authorities for weekly cases of coronavirus.

She added: “It feels like that’s positive news but obviously it’s a real stressful time at the moment to make sure that that continues.”

Ms Spencer-Henshall said: “We get these pockets where it bubbles up in one area. Then that gets dampened down and contained. Then it’ll pop up somewhere else.

“Sometimes that’s to do with particular events or with transmission in particular settings. But we have a good response now across the district to deal with outbreaks as they happen.”

She added: “I think it’s positive news that we are seeing a reasonably stable rate amongst all the population groups and significantly low in our older population, who we know will be most affected.”

This article is by the Local Democracy Reporting Service

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KIRKLEES

AWARD-NOMINATED DOCTOR TALKS ABOUT LIFE ON THE FRONTLINES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MODERNISING THE GP SURGERY “As doctors, we were the people the public was looking towards. We couldn’t have time off; we couldn’t be sick.

Even for the funerals I had, I would go in the afternoon and be back in the evening.”

BY SHAWNA HEALEY A GP from Bradford is up for the national General Practitioner (GP) of the year Award after being nominated by his patients and colleagues for his dedication and passion to his work.

Dr Sohail Abraham Ahmed, 38, took over his practice in Halifax two years ago and has worked relentlessly to transform the surgery. It has gone from being months from collapse to a thriving medical centre where patients come first.

Dr Ahmed said: “The practice was in a bad state, it was on the brink of folding.

At the time, I was just doing the odd shift here and there and it came to my attention that the surgery had only a couple of months to survive if nobody took it over, so I thought I would give it a go and get involved.”

Dr Ahmed has worked all over from Bedford and Luton to Scarborough and York but decided to come back to Bradford, his hometown, a few years ago. “Home is home, so I came back to Bradford in the end”, Dr Ahmed said.

Taking on the new clinic during the pandemic, patient safety and satisfaction was at the forefront for Dr Ahmed. Increasing social media presence to make interaction with patients easier was one way he revamped the surgery. Another way was through implementing a monthly online patient advocacy group, that fed back concerns and suggestions for improvement.

“Many things happen in a GP surgery, it is not just the clinical side where a patient sees a doctor or a nurse, there are many different facets to it.

“One of the key areas was to develop a social media presence. If you look at a lot of surgeries, their websites look like they’re from the 1980s or 1990s, they are very basic and not very interactive.

“If you look at many surgeries in the area, you wouldn’t know that there has

Dr Ahmed rebranded his practice’s website, making it more user-friendly been a pandemic by looking at their social media.

“The lack of social media presence from local practices is odd because so many patients use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In an age of technology, general practices are way behind.”

Dr Ahmed rebranded his practice’s website himself, designing the interface and creating a space where patients can book online consultations.

“At the moment, we as a practice, provide double the number of online consultations compared to the second practice. We are doing on average, 70 to 80 online consultations a day when some surgeries don’t even have online access in Calderdale.

“It is just like sending a text, that’s how easy it is to get through to us. You just go online and answer a few questions and we get back to you within 24 hours

Dr Ahmed took over his Halifax practice two years ago

and that is unheard of, it was unheard of before the pandemic.”

Online consultations mean more people can access help from their GP and a reduction in wait times. Patients who then need to be seen face-to-face can do so quicker, however, the transition to virtual appointments has not been an easy one.

Dr Ahmed said: “We are launching a survey in the new year to see what patients think about online consultations, but it is an odd one.

There is a lot of negativities surrounding general practises at the moment.

“Sometimes when there are changes that are being made, they are perceived as a negative. The whole thing about no face-to-face appointments and you can’t see your GP isn’t true.

“People see online consultations as being ‘fobbed off’ and think that it is a cop-out and that they will get a computerised answer, which isn’t the case. For a lot of people, there is a barrier in understanding, but online appointments are so good.”

The surgery has achieved several accreditations including Mindful Employer, Disability Confident employer, Pride in Practice, and veteran-friendly status.

“Recognising pride in practice meant recognising gender equality and mental health for example. Not just patients’ mental health but staff as well, especially during the pandemic. Raising mental health awareness and wellbeing for our staff was so important.”

Working during the pandemic was tough on Dr Ahmed’s mental health at times. “The pandemic was very difficult

for me. I lost a lot of friends and a lot of family members, and it is something I’ve reflected on quite a bit.

“I lost my father-in-law, three uncles, my grandfather, and two close friends in a short space of time and during that time, I’ve never been in a war, but you just get on with it and are a bit shellshocked”, he said.

Dr Ahmed added: “You don’t get time to mourn or time to think in this profession. I just needed to get on with it, for my staff and my patients.

“We were seeing death so frequently.

So many of our patients passed away including the elderly who I knew and got on with so well, people were dying, and it was so difficult, but you had to be strong and keep going.

“As doctors, we were the people the public was looking towards. We couldn’t have time off; we couldn’t be sick. Even for the funerals I had, I would go in the afternoon and be back in the evening.”

Dr Ahmed is also involved with local projects. He sits as the vice chair of Bradford 4 Better, a community group that aims to make the district safer and cleaner as well as being the founder and film producer of Aelixir Media, a hyperlocal media organisation.

Talking about Bradford 4 Better, Dr Ahmed said: “I’ve been part of the group since the beginning, I live in Heaton where it was formed. The group started with a few locals doing a clean-up and it has now snowballed into a movement of community action across Bradford.

huge gap in public knowledge about life support training which is basic CPR. It is not a skill that is taught in schools or generally taken up by the masses. It is not there and available to people.

“To learn CPR, it is usually a minimum of £50 up to £150 sometimes to learn it, and unless they need it for work, they are not going to go ahead and do that and pay that sort of money. I’ve always thought that is unfair and shouldn’t be the case because life support affects everybody.

“Anyone could have a heart attack or collapse and need that life support training and I believe it is a basic skill that everyone should have. It is an absolute shame that people don’t.

“People must learn in their own environment, so we’ve provided the training in a mosque, in a church, and will be delivering the project in the central library soon and several schools who are picking it up with parents and children involved.

“If kids learn life support at eleven or twelve, they will never forget it and it could save a life.”

As a medical student in Hull Dr Ahmed got involved with the local theatre, where he learnt the basics of writing and acting, which progressed into filmmaking.

Now, he runs Aelixir Media a group that promotes grassroots filmmaking.

“Unfortunately, there is not much support for homegrown grassroots talent, especially from an ethnic minority background.

Dr Ahmed believes that life support training is a skill that everyone should learn Within the organisation, Dr Ahmed is running a project called Bradford Lifesavers, where he provides free life support training for communities. “I used to teach and train students and medical professionals in life support training and part of that is training the public as well”, Dr Ahmed said.

He added: “I realised that there is a

“I believe from my background in healthcare there is an element of healing and wellbeing when it comes to creativity. So, it doesn’t have to be that you are prescribed tablets to help you with a certain problem. I found that being creative can be useful and therapeutic for people who might have physical or mental health problems.”

6 - 12 december 2021

SUNIEL SHETTY ON SON AHAN'S DEBUT: RIGHT NOW, I'M A LESS ANXIOUS FATHER ALL EYES ON VICKY-KATRINA'S WEDDING VENUE

Image: Pallav Paliwal

NAFISA ALI REMINISCES 'MAJOR SAAB' DAYS WITH BIG B AS SHE STARTS SHOOTING FOR 'UUNCHAI'

SARA ON HER 'ATRANGI RE' CHARACTER:

I AM NOT REBELLIOUS LIKE RINKU.

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

HRITHIK, SAIF-STARRER 'VIKRAM VEDHA' SLATED FOR GLOBAL RELEASE ON SEP 30, 2022 The first filming schedule of action-packed thriller 'Vikram Vedha', which is being coproduced by Bhushan Kumar's TSeries and Reliance Entertainment in association with Friday Filmworks and S. Sashikanth's YNOT Studios, has concluded in Abu Dhabi with Hrithik Roshan.

It spanned across 27 days. The second schedule has begun with Saif Ali Khan in Lucknow. The film will hit the big screens globally on September 30, 2022.

The film stars Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles, with Radhika Apte playing a pivotal character. Pushkar and Gayatri, the original writers and directors, are helming the Hindi remake too.

A cult classic in its own right, 'Vikram Vedha' is a neo-noir action thriller based on the folk tale 'Vikram Aur Betaal'. The film tells the story of a tough police officer who sets out to track down and kill an equally tough gangster. The original Tamil blockbuster starred R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles.

"We are delighted to be working with Hrithik

SUNIEL SHETTY ON SON AHAN'S DEBUT: RIGHT NOW, I'M A LESS ANXIOUS FATHER

and Saif - two great actors," Pushkar and Gayatri, the directors, said in a statement.

"With a superb team around us, we hope to deliver a film that will be intense and exciting."

Bhushan Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, T-Series, said "'Vikram Vedha' promises to be one of the most thrilling and entertaining films of the year. The announcement itself has sparked off a great deal of interest in the audience."

He added "We're ecstatic to reunite this dynamic duo after two decades on the big screen. We cannot wait for 'Vikram Vedha' to work its magic in the theatres and become a boxoffice hit."

The 2002 film 'Naa Tum Jaano Naa Hum' was the last release where Hrithik and Saif were seen together. Commenting on 'Vikram Vedha', co-producer S. Sashikanth said "After having produced the original version in Tamil four years ago, we are excited to see how 'Vikram Vedha' has been shaping up in Hindi with Hrithik and Saif pushing the boundaries and taking this story to a global audience."

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty feels proud that his son Ahan Shetty's maiden film is getting a roaring response at the box-office. As a father, he says he feels less anxious right now.

"Right now, I am a less anxious father. Proud of course. I always knew he had worked hard but a child being anxious makes you anxious too," Suniel said while having a chat about his son to IANS. The 60-year-old star knew that Ahan would get apprecia ted but did not expect such a big response.

"Honestly, when I saw Ahan's work I knew he'd get appreciated but not this kind of response. People across the board are loving him wherever we going people are talking about him being such a confident actor, his personality, screen presence, that is probably a bigger joy for you than your own," he added.

'Tadap' is having a great run at the box-office. It raked in Rs 8.17 crore on the second day of its release. 'Tadap', presented by Fox Star Studios, produced

by Sajid Nadiadwala, coproduced by Fox Star Studios and directed by Milan Luthria, was released on December 3.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE HEADS TO HYDERABAD FOR NAG ASHWIN'S 'PROJECT K'

KARAN JOHAR ENJOYS NIGHT OUT WITH 'ROCKY AUR RANI KI PREM' CAST MEMBERS RANVEER SINGH, ALIA BHATT.

Superstar Deepika Padukone has headed to Hyderbad for the shooting of Nag Ashwin's upcoming film 'Project K', co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas.

Looking every bit like the superstar she is, Deepika sported a cropped lavender blazer-pant set and looked stunning as ever. She teamed up her outfit with silver high heels and a bun.

Tentatively titled 'Project K', the movie is a mega

Filmmaker Karan Johar, on Friday evening shared pictures with actors Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the cast members of his upcoming directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'.

Karan took to his Instagram handle and shared some stills from their night out shenanigans in Delhi and the trio looked fashionable.

In the photos, which were captioned, "Rocky and Rani on a night out! #rockyaurranikipremkahani #day56 of shoot !! #delhishenanigans," Alia, Ranveer, and Karan could be seen all decked up in stylish coats and all set to chill at the night. The romantic drama, which also stars Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shabana Azmi, is being produced by Dharma Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures. It has been written by Shashank

canvas, pan India project that's been in the news ever since its announcement.

Deepika joins the team of the multi-lingual on the massive set constructed at Ramoji Filmcity as she forays into the sci-fi genre with 'Project K', touted to be one of the most expensive Indian films of all time.

Khaitan, Ishita Moitra and Sumit Roy. Saif Ali Khan's son Ibrahim is working as an assistant director on the film. 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' is scheduled to hit theatres on February 10, 2023.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ BRIEFLY STOPPED AT MUMBAI AIRPORT Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez was stopped at Mumbai Airport by authorities on Sunday 5 December, but later allowed to proceed. According to the information, Jacqueline was recently quizzed by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a prevention of money laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrashekhar and seven others. A highly-placed source said that a LoC (look out circular) was issue against the actress, and the agency had suspected that she might go abroad and hence, they had written a letter to the authority concerned.

The authorities stopped Jacqueline when she arrived at Mumbai airport but later, she was freed. According to sources, she was about to catch a flight to Delhi. The Enforcement Directorate had on Saturday filed a chargesheet under PMLA act naming few Bollywood actress as a witness including Jacqueline.

The court had taken cognisance of the charge sheet soon after it was filed and had asked the agency to supply the charge sheet copy to all the accused. It is possible that Jacqueline might be called to join the investigation again. The next date in the charge sheet matter is December 13. The ED officials were tight lipped over the matter.

THREE

ALL EYES ON VICKY-KATRINA' S WEDDING VENUE Ahead of the proposed wedding between Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif on Thursday, all eyes are set on the pristine venue The Six Senses Hotel, which is also known as Barwara Fort.

The fort chosen for the big fat celebrity wedding is located in Chauth ka Barwara town of Sawai Madhopur district. The fort, which has now been converted into a heritage hotel, has a confluence of antiquity and modernity. The history of this fort is quite interesting, says Sayeed Ahmed, adding "The Barwara fort was established around 1451 and was built by Bhim Singh, the ruler of Chauhan dynasty." The perimeter of this fort extends to around 10 bighas in which there are five towers called Hanuma n Burj, Bhima Burj, Nal Burj, Pir Burj and Shikar Burj. " The surprising factor of this fort was that there was no resource of water here. However, after converting it into a hotel, the water system has been created by getting boring done. Earlier, water was collecte d by making ditches during the ancient reign. There were three gates inside this fort. But after being converted into a hotel, only two gates have been retained," says Ahmed.

Five suites have been made in the same hotel. Two of which will be used during the wedding ceremony. Two big grounds are situated inside the hotel in which arrangements for open food and welcome process ion can be made.

NAFISA ALI REMINISCES 'MAJOR SAAB' DAYS WITH BIG B AS SHE STARTS SHOOTING FOR 'UUNCHAI' Veteran actress Nafisa Ali will be seen sharing screen space with megastar Amitabh Bachchan after almost two decades in the upcoming film 'Uunchai'.

The two were last seen together in the 1998 film 'Major Saab'. Nafisa reminisced about working with Amitabh in the 1998 film and shared that she is excited to work with the thespian once again. She shared a monochrome photograph featuring her and Amitabh. In the picture, the two are smiling for the camera. She wrote in the caption "Memories of Major Saab and the present for Uunchai."

Nafisa also shared a string of more pictures with Amitabh, Anupam Kher, and Boman Irani and her friend Kiran Nair who was with her while she was shooting for

'Major Saab'.

"Watching the greats - my friend Kiran Nair (a retired army officer) is here with me in Mumbai and was with me during the shooting of 'Major Saabh' as well. Love the feeling."

She had earlier posted a few extra glimpses from the Mehboob Studio and wrote "Mumbai -At Mehboob Studio 24 years later after Major Saab feels great working together again."

"This also marks Sooraj and Amitabh's reunion after a span of 48 years. The duo last worked together in the 1973 film Saudagar. Amazing energy with so many genius actors on set. Sooraj is a wonderful and sensitive director. I am so excited being a part of this film Uunchai ."

'Uunchai' is directed by Sooraj Barjatya. It also stars Parineeti Chopra along with Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, and Boman Irani.

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

AKSHAY KUMAR WRAPS UP SHOOT SCHEDULE OF 'RAM SETU' IN DIU

Akshay Kumar has wrapped up a shooting schedule of his ambitious project 'Ram Setu' directed by Abhishek Sharma, the filmmaker who is known for films like 'Tere Bin Laden', 'The Zoya Factor' and 'Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari'.

Akshay took to his Instagram to announce the schedule wrap.

He shared his salt and pepper look from the film where he can be seen donning a bomber jacket paired with cargo pants and sneakers leaning against

what looks a pillar of a fort's bastion.

He captioned the image, "Taking back amazing memories of Diu as we end a schedule of #RamSetu. Natural beauty, lovely people, don't miss the famous Pani Kotha fortressjail at the back. The place is an incredible gem wrapped in history. Diu tujhe dil diya."

In addition to Akshay, 'Ram Setu' also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Pankaj Tripathi in key

roles. Produced by Prime Video alongside Cape of Good Films, Abundantia Entertainment, and Lyca Productions, 'Ram Setu' is an action-adventure drama that tells a story rooted in Indian cultural and historical heritage.

The film is slated for a Diwali 2022 release. Apart from that, Akshay will be next seen in 'Atrangi Re', directed by Aanand L. Rai. The film, which also stars Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan, will release on Disney+ Hotstar on December 24.

TOM HOLLAND TO PLAY FRED ASTAIRE IN UPCOMING BIOPIC.

'Spider-Man' star Tom Holland will portray legendary actor, dancer and singer Fred Astaire in an upcoming biopic for Sony.

According to sources, deals for the project are still being finalised, reports deadline. com. Astaire's career spanned 76 years before his death in 1987 from pneumonia. He got his start in the industry early working with his siblings in vaudeville before setting his sights on Broadway and London's West End before making it big in Tinseltown. He most famousl y starred in 'Dancing Lady' with Joan Crawford, 'Easter Parade' with Judy Garland , and 'Funny Face' with Audrey Hepburn.

The actor too confirmed the news to the media while promoting his upcoming film 'Spider-Man No Way Home' in London. Oscar-nominated produce r Amy Pascal first mentioned her eye was on Holland for the role of the legenda ry dancer, singer, and choreographer in a November profile of Holland in GQ. The Sony biopic is not to be confused with Amazon and Automatik's 'Fred & Ginger' starring another 'Billy Elliot' alum, Jamie Bell as Astaire, and Margaret Qualley in the role of Ginger Rogers.

'Fred & Ginger' dives into the love story of the dance partners both on and offscreen, Deadline revealed exclusively last December. Holland made his debut on the West End stage in 'Billy Elliot The Music' in 2008.

He first portrayed the lead character's friend, Michael Caffrey, before taking on the lead role until 2010.

GEORGE CLOONEY TURNED DOWN USD 35 MILLION OFFER FOR A DAY'S WORK Hollywood star George Clooney has shared that he turned down a USD 35 million offer to film a commercial after he consulted his wife, Amal.

The 60-year-old actor-filmmaker revealed the job offer when he was talking with The Guardian about his upcoming directorial feature 'The Tender Bar' and was asked whether he is satisfied with the money he's earned, reports aceshowbiz. com.

"Well, yeah," he admitted. Alluding that it's not always money that gives him satisfaction, he added "I was offered $35m for one day's work for an airline commercial, but I talked to Amal (his wife) about it, and we decided it's not worth it."

George went on explaining why he turned down the job. "It was (associated with) a country that, although it's an ally, is questionable at times, and so I thought 'Well, if it takes a minute's sleep away from me, it's not worth it,' " he said, as his wife Amal is a renowned human rights lawyer.

George married Amal in 2014 and they welcomed twins, daughter Ella and son Alexander, in June 2017. In the same interview, the star talked about why he has slowed down in recent years when it comes to accepting onscreen roles.

"In general, there just aren't that many great parts. And look, I don't have to act," he said.

"My wife and I had this conversation when I turned 60 this summer. I said 'I can still bounce around pretty good, and we both love what we do. But we gotta make sure we don't book ourselves silly. So, part of it is just us making sure we live our lives."

That doesn't mean that he'll stop acting altogether as George shared that he's about to head to Australia to shoot 'Ticket to Paradise' with Julia Roberts before teaming up with Brad Pitt for another film in the summer.

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

WHAT’S ON

It’s the festive season and that means some cosy movie nights with loved ones. The good news is that there are an array of film releases happening during this festive month from B-Town.

Here’s a quick run-down of which to look out for in the month of December.

Please note this listing is purely based on the announcements made by the producers/production houses and therefore, the release dates may differ.

SHARMAJI NAMKEEN Starring: Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla

CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI Starring Ayushman Khurrana and Vaani Kaoor Directed by: Abhishek Kapoor Release Date: 10 December

Directed by: Hitesh Bhatia Release Date: 16 December

ATRANGI RE Starring : Akshay Kumar, Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan Director : Anand L Rai Release Date : 24 Dec 2021

ANEK Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana Directed by: Anubhav Sinha Release Date: 17 Dec

JERSEY Starring : Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur Director : Gowtam Tinnanuri Release Date : 31 Dec 2021

LOOP LAPETA Starring: Taapsee Pannu, Tahir Raj Bhasin Director : Aakash Bhatia Release Date : 22 Dec 2021

83 Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone Director : Kabir Khan Release Date : 25 Dec 2021

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SARA ON HER 'ATRANGI RE' CHARACTER:

I am not rebellious like Rinku Sara Ali Khan, is confidently standing on her own as an actress. No longer known as Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter the young actress has been making a mark in the film industry since 2018.

While she is yet to cement her status as a top actor, Sara is most certainly loved by the paps and is fronting many tabloid headlines. More recently Sara is making all the right noises for her latest flick Atrangi Re with During film promotions a confident and excited Sara beamed at paparazzi with: “Mai Atrangi hoon (I am Atrangi)."

Sara is hopeful of attention from the audience that she failed to get in 'Love Aaj Kal 2'. She expressed her gratitude for director Aanand L. Rai, saying "This opportunity came to me at the right time. After ten days of 'Kedarnath', I was on the sets

of 'Atrangi Re'. It was great because people didn't like 'Love Aaj Kal' and I am working for the audience and there was no point in getting depressed. You need to push yourself and that is what Aanand ji did for me."

Sara further opened up about playing 'Rinku' and how she related with her character.

"We both are confident people whose confidence even masks their inner vulnerability. But at the same place we are different. I am not rebellious by nature. I will not break the bottles or run away 21 times. I have a very supportive family.

I can never dance at my husband's marriage. And of course, I can't speak in a Bihari accent."

It was not easy for Sara to get into the skin of her character, but she believes that one should not judge the character.

"The most important thing while doing a film is you should not judge your character. That is what Aanand ji told me. He made me fall in love with my on-screen character 'Rinku'. And once you understand life, you know there is no right or wrong or black and white always. So, you cannot judge everything and that is what I learned and realised while doing this movie."

The most difficult thing for her is to learn the Bihari accent.

She shared "It was not at all easy. When you go on the sets while doing such movies it is never a cake walk. It is not just about learning the accent, but you need to understand the body language, dialogue and dialect so perfectly and effortlessly that while you are on the sets, you just think about the particular scene and nothing else comes to your mind."

The actress recalled shooting in Varanasi and adds "We did

the shooting for the Bihar portion in Banaras, and it was so beautiful.

I used to travel in the morning for shooting and keep looking at those fields. Whenever I was free, I just went for Ganga aarti and visited Kashi Vishwanath. Then, we shot in Madurai, and it was just amazing.

I love the food here and enjoyed having those idli and all. Then we came to Delhi, and it was so tiring to travel to shooting locations early in the morning at 4 a.m. Overall this was the most memorable shooting experience for me."

The actress, who stars opposite actors Dhanush and Akshay Kumar, shared that working with them is only a learning process and there is no competition.

"You know Akshay Kumar is a superstar, Dhanush is a National Award winner, so there is no competition obviously, there is only inspiration and learning. But on sets we are all Aanand ji's children and characters in his world. I am not Sara, but 'Rinku' and Dhanush is just 'Vishu' on the sets."

According to her, every woman in today's generation will relate with 'Rinku' "I think she is very relatable to today's woman. She is loud and assertive. She is not apologetic and clearly says what she wants in life. She is not doing any feminist 'andolan' but she knows how to express her thoughts. I really find it amazing the way she says that

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

Sara Ali Khan's unusual love story - Atrangi Re I want both without any apprehension or hesitation."

Aanand L. Rai's directorial 'Atrangi Re' featuring Akshay Kumar, Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan will be released on December 24 on Disney+ Hotstar.

ay Kumar and Dhanush in Atrangi

Sara Ali Khan starring opposite Aksh

Sara with Akshay in Atrangi Re

Sara with Director Aanand L Rai

Re

SEVEN

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE BY YORKSHIRE ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BRADFORD

14

OPINION

How YABA is supporting the Asian Business community Sharon Jandu is one of the founder members of the well-established Yorkshire Asian Business Association, based in Huddersfield.She is also a serving West Yorkshire magistrate and sits on several boards of leading organisations. As part of her role to help support the South Asian business community across West Yorkshire and beyond, Sharon has dedicated some time to reach out to Asian Standard readers with some business tips and advice and what’s been happening in the world of business. If you want to learn more about the services of YABA then visit www.yabauk.com or contact Sharon at sharon@yaba.uk.com

We use our passion for business and provide value to our members. We provide monthly E-newsletters, cultivate a growing business community, host business to business networking events and much more. By doing this, we help our members grow their business and achieve their goals. We take pride in supporting our community so that it can continue to reach its full potential.

There has been so much happening in the world of business and we at YABA are delighted to be playing a part in helping nurture and develop business opportunities for all. This week I want to share with you, what we at YABA have been up to over the past few weeks.

Here at YABA we love to celebrate and showcase the best of the Asian business community We recognise their huge impact on the UK’s economy, and we continue to provide a voice for them.

Thanks to our patrons Squire Patton Boggs we held the YABA Diwali and Bandhi Chor Diwas event at their lovely offices in Leeds. The event was hosted by our very own Canon Keith Madeley MBE and Luqman Rashid and the wonderful line of special guest speakers included, Mayor Brabin, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Paul Lawrence, Dr Geetha Upadhyaya, CEO Leeds City Council Tom Riordan, Leader of Kirklees Council Shabir Pandor, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Manoj Joshi, Director of Northern Rail Tony Baxter YABA Strategic Partners Fatima Patel RF Media & Publishing, Leej Walker The Business Desk, Japinder Aujla Newsquest, Philip Turnbull Association of International Accountants Philip Turnbull and Canon Simon Baldwin Leeds Beckett University, it was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all.

Last month we were honoured to partner with Tony Baxter director of Northern Rail to organise a fantastic Faith Trail in Bradford for their regional senior team last week. We visited the

Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple and the Masjid Abu Bakar Mosque and learnt more about all these faiths and how they practice their religions. Tony was proud to share with us the news about Tahira Bibi Northern’s newest qualified train drivers who has made history by being the first female Pakistani train driver in the UK. As an organisation we also love to showcase and want you to watch the Northern Asian Power Leaders interview with Arif Ahmad PwC Partner and North Head of Private Business on YouTube channel Northern Asian

Power. Arif gives us a deeper insight on how he got to where he is now and how at first, he didn’t feel he was receiving the right opportunities, but there were opportunities for him and there were people who saw potential in him. One leadership trait Arif said he had learned from his experience is “you’re never too big to give others help”. You can view the full inspirational interview and more on YouTube so why not head on over and check it out!

As the world came together at the UN Cop26 climate summit, the UK government is calling on the global private sector to follow the UK’s example and join the UN race to Net Zero. Over 50% of large UK businesses have committed to eliminating their contribution to carbon emissions by 2050. This milestone means that pledges have tripled in the last 10 months, highlighting British businesses and their position leading the world’s transition to a low carbon economy, to work towards these goals, YABA have a created a working group in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, if you would like to get involved, please get in touch with me, as I would be delighted to hear from you.

At YABA we are keen to continue to give back and are working on making a bigger impact in the local community with upcoming and exciting new charitable projects one such project is in partnership with UK Youth and the Future Proof programme we are delivering in schools. There are over 8.9

Million pupils attending 24,400 schools across England., with education being such an important part of young people's lives, it's during these years that they develop from kids into mature adults and we want to be a part of this journey. Since teaming up with UkYouth on the #FutureProof program, we aim to reach out to as many schools as possible, to help, support, encourage and inspire our youth! From mental health and well-being workshops, to employability skills, there are endless possibilities for youth to shine in the community. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at info@ yabateam.co.uk We use our passion for business and provide value to our members.

We provide monthly E-newsletters, cultivate a growing business community, host business to business networking events and much more.

By doing this, we help our members grow their business and achieve their goals. We take pride in supporting our community so that it can continue to reach its full potential.

We will continue to showcase Asian voices from across Yorkshire and their businesses, with aims to create a community of empowering companies that can rise to challenges that come their way, no matter the weather. YABA wants to build a culture of kindness that pushes everyone forward together.

If you want to work with us in the future, simply email our team at info@ yabateam.co.uk for more information.

15

BRADFORD PROMOTIONAL FEATURE BY YORKSHIRE ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

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GETTING TO KNOW WEST YORKSHIRE’S FIRST METRO MAYOR – TRACY BRABIN

BY TEAM YABA Labour’s, Tracy Brabin, became West Yorkshire’s first Metro Mayor in May 2021. The team at YABA caught up with the busy Mayor recently to discover more about the Batley born Yorkshire woman and her role as Mayor of West Yorkshire and how she got to where she is today. So get yourself a warm cuppa and read on.

One of Mayor Brabin’s traits you notice immediately is that she is extremely enthusiastic and approachable. Her enthusiasm and charisma has led to the community warming to her immediately.

Her upbringing and life experiences have made her the strong independent woman she is today. She uses these reasons alongside many others to motivate her to make change and do better.

Having been extremely close friends with Jo Cox around the time of her passing this fuelled Mayor Brabin to start her political journey.

Although, representing British Labour and Co-operative as a politician isn’t how Mayor Brabin pictured her career path from a young age. Before her strides to become Mayor she enjoyed an extremely successful acting career.

With appearances in soaps such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale she’s no stranger to the publicity, lights and cameras that comes with being a Mayor.

She was the first female Mayor elected to the region of West Yorkshire combined authority, however when she started out in life she never anticipated going into politics, this is visible from the way she interacts with people which helps her just be herself instead of having the typical politician veneer she grew up on a council estate, in a flat with her family.

She always wanted to be an actor, and despite not having any connections in the business she was the first member of her family who was able to go to university and study drama. Following university

Labour’s, Tracy Brabin, became West Yorkshire’s first Metro Mayor in May 2021. The team at YABA caught up with the busy Mayor recently to discover more about the Batley born Yorkshire woman and her role as Mayor of West Yorkshire and how she got to where she is today. So get yourself a warm cuppa and read on

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, with Sharon Jandu of YABA Mayor Brabin finding opportunities in London and even slept on a friend's floor. The former Batley and Spen MP recalls being able to be on free school meals whilst at school, living in council flats and being able to access free libraries helped her to follow and ultimately achieve her dreams of becoming an actor, and she isn't sure if young people nowadays have those same life chances.

That’s how she always knew that those Labour values were inherent within herself, is proud of being a working-class woman and will always see herself as one regardless of the privileges she now has. That is also why she began supporting the Labour party and became friends with Jo Cox. Following the murder of Jo Cox Mayor Brabin asked those around her what she could do to help and was then asked if she wanted to be an MP to carry on the great work Jo Cox had started, and it all fell into place.

Mayor Brabin served as an MP for Batley & Spen for five years. During this time, she said she was honoured

to represent the constituency and go to parliament, to educate some of the leaders about the north and what life was actually like.

She is aware that there are a lot of communities that feel very far away from power and she wants to help bridge the gap and bring support to

those who are in need of help. That is why one of the main elements of her manifesto when seeking to be elected as Mayor was equality, Mayor Brabin believes that when those who are furthest away from support are helped everyone flourishes.

When asked how she would help the Asian Business Community in West Yorkshire, Mayor Brabin highlighted the fact that one of the main issues was that a lot of the community was not aware that the combined authority existed and as such did not know that they could turn to her and her team for help. But would instead feel like they could only turn to friends and family for financial help.

As the first ever female MetroMayor in the country Mayor Brabin is aware that women need a seat at the table and that is why when she and her team launched Enterprise West Yorkshire a £6 million support package to help people from all different backgrounds start their own business’ on 3 November, they have made clear that they hope the support will help increase the diversity of start-up business owners across the region and attract those most underrepresented including, women, ethnic minorities and those who identify as disabled.

They plan that 50% of the funding applications that they support will be run by women, 20% will be run by people who are part of the BAME community, and 3 % will be run by disabled entrepreneurs. Mayor Brabin has been able to set these targets and say that they will reach them due to equality being such a major platform on which she ran for mayor on. For Mayor Brabin, these targets however will hopefully not be the ceiling but will be the floor and that she and her team will be able to go even further in helping the community excel.

To learn more about West Yorkshire’s Metro Mayor visit https:// www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/amayoral-combined-authority/

@ASIANSTANDARD WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE BY YORKSHIRE ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BRADFORD

16

HOW HAS COP26 IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS? This week, thanks to the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, Innovate UK Edge have put together this special feature for our readers to learn more about the impact of COP26 on your business.

Innovate UK Edge is a publicly-funded service available to all high potential small to medium sized innovationdriven companies, including Innovate UK grant winners. So over to you Innovate UK. The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, was held in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November 2021, under the presidency of the United Kingdom.

The conference attracted leaders from around the world and saw a flurry of national commitments to meeting Net Zero at different points over the next half century.

The UK is seen as a leader in terms of achieving Net Zero and in 2019 the Government amended the Climate Change Act to introduce a target for at least a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, and those targets are going to mean big changes to the way we all do business.

This will impact both products and services, and it will mean some

Image: Rafapress - Shutterstock.com

Cop26 Glasgow Government 2021 practices ending, some new products and services being created, and shifts in attitudes across the board, from your customers, your suppliers, your partners, and your people.

Based on recent coverage of the

issues around COP26 it is reasonable to ask if this will affect the way you think about climate change or if it will change the way you do business? Will you be leading, or will you be following? Will you be doing the absolute minimum or are you committed to meaningful change?

Tackling climate change is a daunting prospect for us all but fortunately help is available. Businesses can tap into a variety of sources of support at local and national level so here is a reminder of our top tips: 1. Turn On Your Radar Familiarise yourself with the issues and focus on the impacts affecting your business and your industry. Are you at high or low risk? Are those risks immediate, medium or long term?

Does it require an individual response or an industry-wide response?

2. Find Sources of Support Understand what advice, grants, loans or other support are available from your local LEP, the Carbon Trust or Innovate UK etc.

Image: Clare Louise Jackson - Shutterstock.com

Aerial photo of Leeds city

3. Develop an Innovation Strategy Assess whether climate change presents opportunities or threats to your business? Are you a polar bear about to have the ice melt under or your feet as your business model crumbles in the face of new regulation or are you about to soar like an eagle on the back of an innovative new, product, service or business model?

What innovation is required to move you forward?

4. Budget Accordingly Do your sums and understand the cost benefit analysis of doing something and doing nothing. Build those costs into your budgets and understand the impact on your bottom line and your cash flow 5. Involve Your Team A problem shared is a problem halved as they say. Make your people part of the solution and not part of the problem as you address impacts at all levels of your business 6. Ask For Help Few of us are experts so if you are struggling with the issues ask for assistance from your local Growth Manager, a trade body or Innovate UK At Innovate UK EDGE we are serious about tackling climate change and we are here to help with all aspects of innovation so if you are an ambitious business needing support with innovation then get in touch and let us help you - https://www. innovateukedge.ukri.org/.

17

BRADFORD PROMOTIONAL FEATURE BY YORKSHIRE ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

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OPINION

UK Fiancé Visa Application – Key Requirements Asif Hanif is a solicitor at Henry Hyams Solicitors, with over ten years’ experience in UK immigration law.

He graduated in Law from the University of Bradford School of Management and Law in 2010 and having completed his Legal Practice Course from BPP Law School in 2012 Asif qualified as a solicitor in 2015 with N.C. Brothers & Co Solicitors, in Reading.

Fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, Asif’s expertise lies in all aspects of Immigration Law with a specialist interest in Family Migration, complex Human Rights issues, ex-Gurkha dependant applications, Deportation, Asylum, Corporate Immigration, EU applications and Nationality Law. The proud Bradfordian has extensive experience in challenging Home Office decisions at the First-tier Tribunal (IAC), the Upper-tier Tribunal (IAC) and the Court of Appeal by way of Judicial Review.

Asif is also a Trust appointed Governor at Dixons Academies Trust, which is the second-highest performing multi-Trust nationally.

The law professional enjoys playing tennis and football in his spare time and is a keen Liverpool supporter. If you wish to get in touch with Asif regarding immigration matters, then you can contact him at a.hanif@henryhyams.com For now do read his latest column on immigration matters.

When your application is approved you will be issued with a 6-month visa to enter the UK. You must marry your partner within the sixmonth period and then apply to switch to the spouse route before your fiancé visa expires.

I often see client’s who have fallen victim of immigration abuse and as a result, simple applications are refused resulting in family members being separated for years.

In my forthcoming articles I will discuss immigration matters common within the South Asian community. Previously I have discussed the UK spouse visa application. In this article I will provide an overview regarding the UK fiancé visa route.

Key requirements for a fiancé visa These are similar to the spouse visa requirements. Your partner must be a British citizen or have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to sponsor you, and: 1. You/your partner must be at least 18 years old 2. You must have met each other 3. You and your partner must intend to live together on a permanent basis once married 4. You must show that any previous relationship that you or your partner were involved in has ended

5. Your fiancé must be earning a minimum of £18,600 per annum or have savings to be able to sponsor you. The level of this financial requirement will increase if you are also sponsoring children as dependants 6. You must have suitable accommodation available for you, your partner and any dependants 7. If applicable, you need to take

an approved SELT test (Level A1) to prove that you can understand and communicate in English Extensive evidence of previous contact and wedding arrangements in the UK must be demonstrated with your application.

What happens when my application is approved?

When your application is approved you will be issued with a 6-month visa to enter the UK. You must marry your partner within the six-month period and then apply to switch to

the spouse route before your fiancé visa expires.

Provided you satisfy the immigration rules for the spouse visa application, you will be granted leave to remain in the UK for a period of two and a half years.

After accumulating five years residence under this route, you will be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, and subsequently naturalisation.

At Henry Hyams we guide our clients throughout their application process. We complete the necessary paperwork, advice on the supporting documents and submit the same for consideration by the Entry Clearance Officer/Home Office.

For further information regarding this visa please contact our specialist immigration team. Henry Hyams has a highly experienced immigration team to guide you at every stage of your application. We have been providing legal advice for over 80 years to clients nationally and internationally.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal advice.

For more information visit: https://henryhyams.com/

19

CROSSWORDS AND PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Across 1 Flagrant (7) 5 Hillock (5) 8 Compass bearing (5) 9 Type of biscuit (4,3) 10 Replies (7) 11 Killed (5) 12 Occur (6) 14 Fired (6) 18 Odour (5) 20 Skilled worker (7) 22 Gods and goddesses (7) 23 Possibly (5) 24 Crop (5) 25 Fingerless gloves (7)

Spot the

5

differences

Down 1 Below (7) 2 Scare (anag.) (5) 3 Accomplish (7) 4 Song bird (6) 5 Thrills (5) 6 Remote parts of Australia (7) 7 Gain knowledge (5) 13 Exact (7) 15 Endeavour (7) 16 Perils (7) 17 Kidnapper’s demand (6) 18 Unfortunately (5) 19 Owner of a Scottish estate (5) 21 Characteristic manner (5)

CODEWORD

Salman Khan in Gujarat trying out the Gandhi Charkha Image Pallav Paliwal

ANSWERS CODEWORD ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

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KIRKLEES

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RECIPE

BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS TOPPED WITH SAGE & ONION CRUMB STUFFING It’s that time of the year, where we want good wholesome seasonal food to celebrate the festive season. So let’s get you in the mood with this fabulous recipe from the amazing Supreme Ingredients cook book. Try it out.

INGREDIENTS Boneless Chicken Thighs topped with Sage & Onion Crumb Stuffing: 1.1 kg boneless chicken thighs ¹/₃ cup Zaytuna Olive Oil Juice of 1 large lemon ¼ cup Supreme Garlic Paste 1 tbsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper Salt to taste 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs Sage & Onion Crumb Topping: 50g butter 1 tbsp Zaytuna Olive Oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 cup Supreme Breadcrumbs 1 tbsp freshly chopped sage Salt to to taste One Pan Roast Vegetables 1kg Maria Piper potatoes, peeled & cut into quarters 300-350g parsnips, peeled & cut into strips 300-350g carrots, peeled & cut into strips 50g butter ¼ cup olive oil Salt to taste 1 tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper 1 tbsp Supreme Garlic Paste 1 tbsp Supreme coarse semolina 2-3 Rosemary sprigs Honey, Fennel & Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts 500g brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved 3 tbsp Zaytuna Olive Oil 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp Supreme Fennel Seeds ½ tsp Supreme Black Pepper Salt to taste 1 tsp Onion Powder 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp honey

METHOD Boneless Chicken Thighs topped with Sage & Onion Crumb Stuffing: In a bowl mix together, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic paste, coarse black pepper, salt and herbs. And chicken thighs and mix well. Cover and marinate overnight in the fridge.

Preheat the oven to 180°c. Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.

In the meantime make the crumb topping; melt and oil butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft. Stir in breadcrumbs, chopped sage and salt.

Once the chicken is cooked, top each thigh with the crumb topping. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve chicken with roast vegetables, sprouts, Yorkshire puds, gravy and cranberry sauce.

One Pan Roast Vegetables Par-boil the vegetables in salted water then drain them.

Fluff up the potatoes in the colander by shaking it around.

Preheat the oven to 180°c. Add butter, olive oil, salt to taste, coarse black pepper and garlic paste to a large baking tray. Place the tray in the oven until the butter melts. Remove the tray and add the vegetables, semolina and rosemary sprigs. Toss so the vegetables are evenly coated. Roast for 1 hour, or until golden and crisp, then serve immediately with your roast.

Honey, Fennel & Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts Preheat the oven to 200°C. On a large baking sheet, drizzle brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and season with salt, pepper, onion powder and fennel seeds. Toss until combined. Roast until the brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, about 20-25 minutes, toss the sprouts halfway through. Remove from the oven, add 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and toss well and serve.

Recipe in partnership with Supreme ingredients.

For more recipes visit www.supreme-ingredients.com

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SALES EXECUTIVE If you are looking for a job, then this isn't the position you should apply for, but if

FANCY VOLUNTEERING? •

The Inspirational Women Foundation CIC (IWF) is a registered community interest company, who support women of all backgrounds, whether they are in public life, at home, in business or in the community.

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From mentoring, to networking, to lobbying, along with a whole host of events, we want women to be included equally in all parts of society.

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If you feel you can help us champion our cause and can offer a few hours a week to help us develop the vital work of our foundation, then get in touch.

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Full training is offered with out of pocket expenses covered, along with opportuni-ties to build your CV and work experience profile.

you are looking for a fulfilling career, with a media company that has high growth plans, then this might be the perfect job for you.

We are seeking ambitious people, who have a can do attitude. Who don't wait for things to happen but make them happen. If you are one of those and want a rewarding career, with potential to earn big, then apply now.

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The ideal candidate must have experience of working in a B2B environment, must be self-motivated, have excellent communication and sales skills.

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Marketing and media knowledge would be advantageous but not necessary as full training will be given.

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The role involves selling our print and digital advertising services to business both existing and new companies. If you are ambitious and target driven, then this is the perfect role for you.

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There are significant perks working in the industry, from free meals, to free beauty treatments, along side an excellent pay packet if proven to be successful.

So, if you think you have the skills and talent, then we have an excellent role and pay packet for you.

Hours of work: Mon - Fri 930am - 6pm Basic salary starts from £19,000pa plus uncapped commission.

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT We are looking for a self-starter who can help organise a busy news office.

To apply send a covering letter, along with your CV to editor@asiansunday.co.uk

You will report directly to the Managing Editor, with your day to day

or post to RF Publishing ltd, 5 Green Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5HG

visitors. You will also be required to make outgoing calls and liaising

tasks being answering incoming calls and dealing with incoming with external clients, suppliers and staff.

The candidate should be able to multi-task and have a good knowledge of Microsoft office, excel and social media. Knowledge of Sage is an advantage but full training will be given.

You will have good written and oral communication You will be an organised individual with good time keeping.

So, if you think you have the skills and talent, then we have an excellent role and pay packet for you Hours of work: Mon - Fri 930am - 630pm

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Salary starts from £19,000pa Bonus incentives

Next day Nationwide Delivery Call Us: 01274 390900 www.officefurniturecompanybradford.co.uk

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SPORTS

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HAMILTON WINS WILD SAUDI GP TO SET UP F1 TITLE SHOWDOWN Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a truly chaotic Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which was restarted twice and in which the two title rivals collided with each other once again in the 2021 season.

In one of the most dramatic races in living memory, Hamilton and Verstappen went wheel to wheel on several occasions at the Jeddah, Corniche street circuit, with the Briton crashing into the back of the Dutchman at one point after a misunderstanding over yielding a position. The two drivers are now level on points in the drivers’ championship, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all season finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

Starting first and second on the grid, Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas led away from Verstappen and looked comfortable at the front until their progress was halted on lap 10 after Mick Schumacher lost control of his Haas and slammed into the barrier, Xinhua reports. With the safety car immediately deployed, Hamilton and Bottas both came in for new tyres while Verstappen elected to stay put, putting him in the lead but needing to make a pit stop at a later point.

However, lady luck smiled on Verstappen and Red Bull when the race was then red-flagged on lap 13 in order to allow for lengthier repairs to be made to the barriers. Under F1 rules, drivers are able to change their tyres under red flag conditions, essentially giving Verstappen and others a free pit stop and ensuring that the Dutchman would

Image: Wikipedia

Lewis Hamilton

line up for the standing restart on pole position, ahead of Hamilton and Bottas.

The drama continued at the restart as Hamilton made much the better start from P2, forcing Verstappen to leave the track in order to stay ahead, but the chase was swiftly halted by another red flag after a multi-car incident saw Sergio Perez, George Russell and Nikita Mazepin all out of the race. Ahead of the second restart, race stewards decreed that Verstappen would have to slot into third place

behind Hamilton and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who had squeezed between the title rivals at the previous restart.

When the lights went out, however, it was Verstappen who jumped from third to first, helped by another change of tyres to a set of medium compound rubber, while Hamilton remained on his more durable but less grippy hard tyres. Quickly disposing of Ocon, Hamilton set about chasing after Verstappen and looked quicker than the Dutchman but was unable to get

close enough to pass until lap 37, when Verstappen went off track to defend against the Briton.

More drama was to come the following lap when Verstappen was told to give the position back and slowed on the back straight, but Hamilton appeared to misunderstand his intentions and ran into the back of the Red Bull, with neither car suffering significant damage. Though Verstappen remained in front, he was still obliged to cede the position,

finally moving over on lap 43 and settling for second as his tyres faded.

The Dutchman was also hit with a 10-second time penalty for his part in the collision between the two drivers, though this had no bearing on the final result.

“I’ve been racing a long time and that was incredibly tough,” said Hamilton afterwards.

“I tried to be as sensible and tough as I could be and with all my experience just keeping the car on the track and staying clean.”

“It was difficult. We had all sorts of things thrown at us so I’m just really proud of everyone. Red Bull have some raw pace, it was hard to overtake them.”

Behind the top two, Bottas pipped Ocon for third on the line, with McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo fifth ahead of Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri. The twin Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were seventh and eighth, Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi was ninth and Ricciardo’s teammate Lando Norris rounded out the top 10. With just next week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remaining in one of the most enthralling seasons in F1 history, Hamilton and Verstappen are tied on 369.5 points, though the Dutchman is in front with nine race wins to Hamilton’s eight.

Bottas is assured of a thirdplace finish with 218 points. In the constructors’ standings, Mercedes extends their lead to 587.5 points over Red Bull’s 559.5. Ferrari are third on 307.5 points.

UPCOMING ASHES WILL DEFINE MY CAPTAINCY, SAYS ROOT England skipper Joe Root has admitted that the upcoming Ashes will define his captaincy.

England and Australia will lock horns in five-match Ashes, beginning Wednesday 8 December at the Gabba.

“Absolutely it is (on the line), you look at how hard it has been for English captains and English teams over the years. It’s been something that doesn’t happen very often,” Sydney Morning Herald quoted Root as saying.

“Of course, it will define my captaincy, I’m not naive enough to think that it won’t. But what a great opportunity. I can’t wait for the series to get going,” he added. Further

talking about the series, the England captain said.

“You look at some of the players, some of the individuals, some of the performances guys have put in... the senior guys have done it time and time again.”

“The junior guys have shown glimpses of what they can do and their potential. What better stage to really grab a series and make an announcement on the international stage. I’m an Ashes player and I want to live in the history of this great rivalry.

That carrot is there for everyone,” he added.

Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed the playing XI for the

upcoming first Ashes Test, beginning Wednesday at the Gabba. Travis Head will bat at number five while Mitchell Starc has also found a place in the bowling attack.

Earlier, Tim Paine had stepped down as the Australia captain after a sexting scandal and Cummins was appointed as the new leader. Steve Smith will don the hat of vice-captain. Australia XI Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Image: Twitter

Joe Root

SPORTS MANCHESTER CITY THE NEW PREMIER LEAGUE LEADERS; CHELSEA LOSE TO WEST HAM Manchester City are the new leaders, while Liverpool moved into second place after winning their respective matches in the Premier League last weekend, while Chelsea lost 2-3 in a thrilling game to West Ham United.

Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Watford was rarely in doubt in a game they controlled ruthlessly, with Raheem Sterling opening the scoring in the fourth minute and Bernardo Silva doubling the lead just after the half-hour, late on Sunday (5 Dec) evening.

Silva added a third in the 63rd minute to assure the points before Cucho Hernandez scored a consolation for the hosts.

Newcastle United claimed their first win of the season after a bad mistake from Burnley keeper Nick Pope allowed Callum Wilson to score the only goal of the game at St James’ Park, Xinhua reports.

Divock Origi doesn’t score many goals for Liverpool, but they tend

Image: Twitter

to be important, such as the 94thminute winner that gave his side a 1-0 win in a tight game against Wolves, where Jorgen Klopp’s men did enough to deserve all three points.

A freak goal when Arthur Masuka’s cross fooled Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy condemned

Thomas Tuchel’s men to their second league defeat of the campaign away to West Ham. West Ham showed resilience to twice come back from behind with Manuel Lazini’s penalty cancelling out Thiago Silva’s opener for the visitors and the impressive Jarrod Bowen leveling again after Mason

Mount had put Chelsea back in front just before the break. Ralf Rangnick got off to a winning start at Manchester United thanks to Fred’s 77th-minute goal, which he curled in from the edge of the penalty area after being set up by Mason Greenwood.

The goal came two minutes after Jordan Ayew missed a great chance for visiting Crystal Palace and overall United failed to impress.

Goals from Lucas Moura, Davinson Sanchez and Son Hueng-Min gave Tottenham their most convincing win since Bruno Conte was named as first-team coach.

Moura’s early strike was just what Tottenham needed against a Norwich City side that had travelled to North London on the back of a three-game unbeaten run. Patrick Bamford came back from injury after 11 games out with a 95th-minute goal to save a point for Leeds United in a 2-2 draw at home to Brentford. Tyler

Roberts had put Leeds ahead in the 27th minute only for goals from Shandon Baptiste and Sergi Canos to overturn the score and Brentford looked set for all three points until Bamford’s late finish.

Ezri Konsa Ngoyo scored twice as Aston Villa came back after conceding an early goal to Leicester City to give Steven Gerard his third win in four matches as Aston coach. Harvey Barnes put Leicester ahead in the 14th minute, but Konsa got a touch on Emi Buendia’s header just three minutes later to beat Kasper Schmeichel and his powerful header from a corner in the 54th minute was enough to win the game for the home side.

Brighton rode their luck before Neal Maupay scored a ninth-minute equalizer away to Southampton, who had led through Amando Broja’s 29thminute strike and missed enough chances to have won easily.

MANCHESTER UNITED OWNERS BUY TEAM IN UAE T20 LEAGUE

Image: Twitter

Making its first foray into cricket, Manchester United Football Club’s owner Lancer Capital has acquired a franchise in the soon-to-be-launched UAE T20 League.

The inaugural UAE T20 league, sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board, is set to feature six teams and 34 matches, taking place next year.

“I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20 at its formation. UAE T20 promises to be a world-class event that will be transformative to the growth of cricket in the Emirates,” said Avram Glazer, chairman of Lancer Capital in a statement. The development came a week after Reliance Industries, the

Avram Glazer

Nominations open for Most Influential 2021

'S

Nominate now at influentiallist@asianstandard.co.uk.

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owner of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, also announced their investment in the league through a franchise ownership.

Notaly, Lancer Capitals was also among the final shortlisted bidders for the two new IPL franchises, eventually losing out to RPSG Group and CVC Capital, the groups that acquired the Lucknow and Ahmedabad franchises respectively. The latest investment adds to the company’s portfolio in the sporting world. Apart from Manchester United, the Glazer family also owns NFL Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I am very excited to welcome Mr Glazer to the UAE T20 Family,” Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE T20 League chairman, said.

“To have a partner who has invested into sports properties with a long-term investment perspective is a testament to the strength of the UAE T20 League’s Business Model and its value proposition to its stakeholders and an ode to the UAE as the destination of choice for global sports events,” he added.

It is also learnt that, the owners of the Knight Riders T20 teams are “on-board” to own one of the teams in the UAE event. Capri Global, which also made a failed bid for the two new IPL franchises, Big Bash League’s Sydney Sixers, and Kiran Kumar Grandhi, a co-owner of Delhi Capitals, are believed to be among the other interested parties.

SPORTS

6 - 12 DECEMBER 2021

MANCHESTER CITY THE NEW PREMIER LEAGUE LEADERS; CHELSEA LOSE TO WEST HAM

HAMILTON WINS WILD SAUDI GP TO SET UP F1 TITLE SHOWDOWN

Page 23

Page 24

BOXING VS MMA - RAMPAGE JACKSON VS SHANNON BRIGGS

BY MUSHARAF ASGHAR Over the past couple of years, the trend of MMA and Boxing stars competing against each other has been widespread across the world.

Fans share their love for both sports, but you’re never considered a true die-hard fan until you choose one and represent your favourite sport through the means of memorabilia and staying on top of the action.

You might be wondering when did all this happen? Why did it happen?

Why do people like it and do others despise fighters from both sports competing against each other?

One of the biggest fights in recent times when both sports collided was when the former five division champion, Floyd Mayweather, fought against global superstar Conor McGregor in Las Vegas. Although this was a fight nobody ever saw coming and with McGregor fighting for the first time in the squared ring, the fight was all over the world. An event which brought together fans from both sports together.

Fans witnessed a dominance despite Mayweather winning in the ninth round with a TKO but, a McGregor who was able to land convincing shots on the champion

which even buckled the legs of Mayweather during the earlier rounds of the fight.

Mayweather went on to winning his last fight and retiring from boxing but has also fought in some exhibitions and one which he wanted was against the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nermagomedov which Khabib admitted he refused despite having the chance of claiming $100m.

Fast forward into 2021, a big event which took place over the weekend was the Triller event which showcased fighters from both MMA and Boxing. Both camps had coaches which were fueling their team to win and, in this case, it was Quintin ‘Rampage’ Jackson for the MMA team and Shanon ‘The Canon’ Briggs for boxing.

Jackson and Briggs came into a war of words in the built up to their teams fighting which fueled what seems to be a fight brewing in the next couple of months between the two.

Jackson, the former UFC lightheavyweight champion said in the press conference leading up to the event that he would accept the Image: Twitter challenge to face Briggs which Briggs

also agreed but expressed how Jackson was scared and just saying it for the cameras.

between the two will definitely bring some eyes to the table and in return a lot of money for both.

Although both fighters are past their prime days of fighting, a fight

Could this fight end the debate of if boxing is superior than MMA or does

Nominations open for Most Influential 2021

'S

Nominate now at influentiallist@asianstandard.co.uk.

Nominations close Sunday 19 December Midnight

MMA take the win?

Negotiations have not been made but speculation is on the rise as both have admitted how they’d love to enter the ring and fight!