Young Asians from Sheffield overcome adversity to win awards

Overcoming deprivation and disadvantage, three young people from Sheffield have shone in regional awards.
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The winners and runners up of the Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever of the Year were announced, via a virtual ceremony, last week.

The YAYAs are open to any young person of South Asian heritage (Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi) who was born in, or lives and works in, Yorkshire.

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They are aimed at those socially-mobile young achievers who have overcome deprivation and disadvantage or have broken through traditional barriers to progress and have the potential to be role models who can inspire others to follow them.

Success for Romana Shah,  Aasim Khan and Ayesha Khan in the YAYAsSuccess for Romana Shah,  Aasim Khan and Ayesha Khan in the YAYAs
Success for Romana Shah, Aasim Khan and Ayesha Khan in the YAYAs

Successful entrants were Romana Shah who won the Achievement in the Media section; Aasim Khan won the Achievement in the Not-For-Profit section; and 21-year-old Ayesha Khan who was runner up in the Achievement in Sport category.

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Romana is from a traditional Pakistani family in Sheffield but is now based in London. Raised by her single mother, Romana, aged 27, worked hard to gain a First-Class degree in English Literature, and followed this on with a Masters in PR. She now works at Field House Associates, working with several fast growth technology companies, a venture capital firm and corporate innovation arms. She is the only Muslim/Asian employee there.

Aasim Khan, aged 28, is of Pakistani heritage was raised in a deprived area of Sheffield. He has since dedicated his life to helping others and raised over £300,000 for refugee camps. Aasim also founded Darnall Football Academy to provide young people with a safe place to socialise. In his spare time, Aasim also writes poetry about Islamophobia.

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Dr Mohammed Ali OBE who launched the awards said: “The standard and quality of entries has been remarkable.

" There have been many humbling and life-affirming stories of people overcoming the odds to carve their way in life and we feel enormously proud of all those who entered.

The nominations promise a very bright future for young people of South Asian heritage.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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