Bobby Bhogal - BASA Coach of the Year

Not many people can combine the roles of being a coach and a father, but there are a few who can be a guiding light on and off the field for their children.

WATCHING your child represent their country must be one of the proudest moments in a parent's life.

The moment tends to be even sweeter when you know you've played a hands-on role with their development.

This was the moment that Bobby Bhogal found himself when he watched daughter Ashpal sing the national anthem on her England U-16 debut in a four-team international tournament in Holland, which also featured Germany and Spain in April 2010.

Ashpal is the first British Asian female to represent England at any level in hockey.

"It was one of the proudest moments in my life," said Bhogal. "All the emotions came out when she played for England. It's historic but it didn't even sink in until she was on the pitch singing the national anthem.

"It's been a difficult journey but the satisfaction is unreal when you consider that we have worked hard for 10 years to get to this stage and produced an international athlete."

Bhogal has been coaching his daughter from the age of six and said it was clear from an early age that she had the talent to go far.

Both father and daughter have worked hard and their efforts were recognised at this year's British Asian Sports Awards (BASA).

While Ashpal missed out on the Young Sports Personality of the Year (female) award, Bobby was crowned Coach of the Year, beating Martial arts expert Hashmat Faqiri and cricket player/coach Salma Bi.

“It’s just amazing,” said Bhogal after picking up his award. “This is a huge honour for me to be named Coach of the Year, especially with two other strong contenders also in the category.

“It was unreal to hear my name being called out as the winner in front of a start-studded audience was a special moment for me.”

He added: “A lot this success is down to my daughter Ashpal who has been an inspirational student, role model and she has the drive to continue to achieve and represent at the highest level possible.”

Bhogal has excelled as a coach and is the only Asian in the u15/17s women’s high performance centre and a leading coach on the England Hockey single system.

But his love for the game isn't restricted to just bringing through new talent. Last summer, he represented the England Masters team in the Four Nations Plus Tournament in Ireland.

"While I was preparing Ashpal for her England debut, I had to get myself in shape for England and it was a double celebration for Ashpal and me last summer."

Bhogal had a relatively good club career, travelling down from Leeds to play for Southgate Hockey Club in Hertfordshire during the mid-1990s and played in the Premier League and National League Hockey.

He also owns a gold and silver medal from two California Games playing for the world renewed 'Birmingham Eagles' International touring side.

Off the field, he was also involved in the Greek Olympic squad's preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens in a three-match series.

By Zohaib Rashid