A BOLTON boxer and an MP are among the nominees to be honoured at the upcoming British Muslim Awards.

Haroon Khan, bronze medallist in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, has been nominated in the best at sport category and Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South East, is up for politician of the year.

The finalists for the 22 categories have been announced following thousands of nominations across the country.

More than 400 people will attend the glittering ceremony at the Salford City Stadium on Thursday, January 30, where a wide range of achievements in areas including business, charity, sport, arts and culture will be celebrated.

Ms Qureshi said: “I’m delighted and flattered that I’ve been nominated for this category. Events such as these will bring people together which can only be a good thing.”

Haroon, aged 22, younger brother of boxer Amir Khan, added: “It just pushes you more. Even if I do fall a bit short of winning it, at least I can say I was nominated.

“It shows there’s so much talent out there that’s not getting looked at. My main aim is to become a world champion, I’m sure that’s every boxer’s dream.”

As well as recognising the achievements of British Muslims, the event will raise money for The Well Foundation, which aims to build wells, install hand pumps and establish health and sanitation programmes to provide accessible clean water across the world.


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Irfan Younis, of event organisers Oceanic Consulting, said: “The Muslim community has been making huge contribution to a better United Kingdom and these awards are a reflection of some of the work that goes unrecognised.

“There are some truly inspirational individuals, businesses and organisations in all of our categories, and we would like to congratulate all of the finalists who continuously thrive to excel.”

The awards will be presented by Islamic Bank of Britain.