Danny Tanveer Batth - BASA Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year

This year’s BASAs recognised a number of up-coming footballers showing that Asians are embracing the game. And one strapping defender even walked away with an award on the night!

EVER since the Premier League began in 1992, only two British Asian footballers have graced the top division.

Michael Chopra has played for hometown club Newcastle United as well as rivals Sunderland while defender Zesh Rehman broke through Fulham's academy and made his debut against Liverpool at Anfield in April 2004.

Both players have enjoyed varied careers but neither became a regular in the Premier League.

But things could be about to change thanks to the emergence of Wolves defender Danny Batth.

T

he towering 20-year-old has been getting rave reviews throughout his career having come through the Midland-club's academy.

And Wolves manager is a big fan of Batth, who is captain of the reserve side and has made his senior team debut in the 2-1 win over Southend United in the Carling Cup back in August.

Batth though is taking everything in his stride and deals with the added attention in the same way as his defending: measured, calm and not letting himself get carried away.

Batth has shown great commitment to the beautiful game and has made a lot of sacrifices over the years.

And his dedication to his chosen career was evident when he was absent from the British Asian Sports Awards (BASA) and missed the moment to pick up his award for Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year.

Though he was gutted at not being able to give his thanks to those who voted for him in person, Batth is very much appreciative of winning the award.

“I’m speechless. This is a huge honour for me to be named Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year, especially with two other strong contenders also in the category," said Batth, referring to fellow footballer Krishnan Patel of Bury and karate kid Ferrari Faqiri, who were also up for the award.

“This award will now push me to progress further and I can use it as a stepping stone to get my regular spot in the Wolves team and progress as a player. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me.

"The awards itself is great for the community because it shows the contribution Asians have made in sport and will help inspire others."

Batth believes he is close to achieving his ambition of playing in the Premier League and hopes his performances throughout the season and his Carling Cup stint will help his cause.

"Playing in the Carling Cup against Southend United was a great experience," he said.

"I felt comfortable playing in the first team and want more opportunities at that level. I feel like I can hold my own.”

Batth added: "It's great to hear the manager say good things about you but you take everything in your stride and continue to work hard.

"The manager has always shown faith in the younger players and looks out for them.

"You never know when you will be asked to do a job so I've just got to work hard and be ready when the opportunity comes (to play in the first team).”

Batth also spent time on-loan with League One side Colchester United, where he managed to score his first goal as a professional in the 1-0 win over Oldham in February 2010.

"Going on-loan is something a lot of younger players do which gives you a lot of confidence because you get more responsibility and time on the pitch," he said.

"I've always been confident in my ability and been a very focused as a person from a very young age,” he said.

"I knew that I had the ability to become a footballer but I've had to work hard and it's all paying off.

"Being captain of the reserve team is great for me because I see myself as a natural leader and enjoy the position of responsibility."