Jeevan Badwal, a rising star in Canadian soccer, embodies the dreams and aspirations of a vibrant South Asian community in British Columbia. From his early days playing with Surrey FC, influenced by a family deeply rooted in soccer, Jeevan's journey has been shaped by passion, dedication, and a profound familial support system. His parents have been his cornerstone, providing logistical support and the emotional backbone necessary for his ascent in the sport.
In the vibrant and diverse community of British Columbia, six upcoming South Asian athletes are making significant strides in their respective sports, bringing pride and inspiration to the nation and their community.
At just 17 years old, Saaya Bhandari is already a prominent name in Canadian lacrosse, known for her skill, tenacity, and ability to inspire. As a player who has shattered barriers and fostered diversity within the sport, Saaya brings a fresh perspective to lacrosse, a field where female athletes of colour like herself were once scarce.
Introduced to rhythmic gymnastics at a local community center when she was four, Pari quickly fell in love with the grace and discipline the sport demanded. Her passion, fueled by rhythmic gymnastics' unique blend of strength, coordination, flexibility, and apparatus technique, contrasted beautifully with the sport's inherent artistic expression.
Angel Billen stands out as a symbol of strength and determination in the Canadian sports arena, especially in weightlifting. As the number one youth weightlifter in British Columbia and a commanding presence on the international stage, Angel's journey through the world of sports is inspiring and transformative, especially for women in athletics.
Robin Thind, a rising star in field hockey, exemplifies the power of dedication, skill, and community support. Representing the South Asian community in Canada, his journey from a young enthusiast to a pivotal player on the under-21 Canadian team showcases the impact of local sports infrastructure in nurturing talent.
