To mark South Asian Heritage Month, BBC Sport is highlighting four remarkable athletes who are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the world of sports. The month, which runs from July 18 to August 17, is themed ‘Free to be Me,’ reflecting the journeys of these sports stars as they inspire future generations.

Abtaha Maqsood: Pioneering British Cricket in a Hijab

Abtaha Maqsood, a 25-year-old cricketer from Scotland, has made history as the first British female cricket player to wear a hijab. Born in Glasgow to Pakistani parents, Maqsood plays for Birmingham Phoenix, Sunrisers, and Middlesex. Her achievements include helping Scotland qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in October.

Beyond her sporting success, Maqsood has become a powerful role model for young girls from similar backgrounds, encouraging them to embrace their identities on and off the pitch. “Representation matters a lot, especially in a sport where there are so few British South Asian women,” she told Cricket Scotland.

Yupun Abeykoon: South Asia’s Fastest Man

Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon has earned the title of “South Asia’s fastest man” by consistently breaking records across the region. The 29-year-old won bronze in the men’s 100m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was the first South Asian in 32 years to qualify for the men’s 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Abeykoon is the only athlete from South Asia to clock under 10 seconds in the men’s 100m sprint and holds the region’s records for the 60m, 200m, and the Asian record for the 150m. Despite narrowly missing qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Abeykoon remains a beacon of inspiration for young athletes across South Asia.

Asmita Ale: Breaking Barriers in Women’s Football

Asmita Ale, a 22-year-old defender born in Dorset to Nepalese parents, is making waves in English women’s football. In 2019, she became the first footballer of Nepalese origin to sign a professional contract with a Premier League club, Aston Villa. Ale has since played in the Women’s Super League and is currently with Leicester City, where she continues to break barriers as the only British South Asian in the league.

Ale’s achievements extend to the international stage, where she has represented England at youth levels. She aspires to become the first South Asian to play for the Lionesses, all while staying proud of her heritage, as her parents have always encouraged her.

Mirabai Chanu: India’s Weightlifting Icon

Mirabai Chanu, a 30-year-old weightlifter from India, has built an illustrious career with 11 medals, including silver at the Tokyo Olympics and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 49kg category. Although she narrowly missed out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing fourth, Chanu’s journey from Nongpok Kakching village to the global stage has made her a role model for aspiring weightlifters in India and beyond.

Chanu’s early inspiration came from India’s most decorated weightlifter, Kunjarani Devi, who later became her coach. “I want to be a role model for those aspiring to take up weightlifting,” Chanu said after her gold medal win in 2022.

These four athletes exemplify the spirit of this year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme, demonstrating that being ‘Free to be Me’ is a powerful force in the world of sports. ( BBC )