Seraj Anwar / Patna

Muslim sportspersons of Bihar are bringing laurels to the State. Arbaaz Ansari and Jabir Ansari of Saharsa district are young men who are not related by blood but share their surname and a passion for sports. Arbaaz recently won gold for India in Uganda and Jabir won gold in the Bihar State Karate Championship. Both are being praised for their grit and determination to succeed in their respective sports. Here are their stories:

Arbaaz Ansari has won gold for the country in the recently concluded Uganda Para-Badminton International Championship 2021.

Arbaaz playing during a championship

Arbaaz Ansari’s success brought a wave of happiness to Saharsa. There were street celebrations in Mir Tola locality where Arbaaz’s father Mohammas Nisar lives with his family. People thronged his house to congratulate his parents.

In the Uganda Para-Badminton International Championships held in South Africa from November 15 to 21, Arbaaz won the gold in the doubles final.

Arbaaz's consistent success as a para-athlete over the years has made him into a youth icon. He is the brand ambassador of the Election Commission for motivating people to cast their votes in elections.

He has been honoured by the local administration for bringing laurels to the district.

Proud moment for Arbaaz as he hold the national flag after his victory

Arbaaz's relative Khurshid Alam says, "Arbaaz hails from a backward region like Kosi. He has been consistently doing well in the global championships. This is a big moment for us, as a family.”

Arbaaz Ansari had won a bronze medal in the doubles event while playing for India at the Third International Para-Badminton Competition held in Dubai in April.

Ahmed Ali Ansari, District Sports Officer, who honoured Arbaaz after his Dubai win said “Arbaaz’s achievement has raised the bar for the young players.”

Jabir Ansari's story:

Jabir Ansari is a rising star in the world of Karate from Bihar. He recently won Gold Medal in the Bihar State Karate Championship held in Patna.

Jabir receiving his medal and certificate

Overall 150 players participated in this competition. Jabir will represent Bihar in the national level championships. Jabir has won gold medals in the State Karate Championship many times.Jabir already has a big number of medals in his kitty.

He has represented the state at the national level five times in the 75 kg category.

Jabir has represented India in international events four times. In 2017, he won a silver medal for India in the South Asian Karate competition held in Sri Lanka.

Jabir Ansari being felicitated

He has participated in championships in China, Thailand, and Turkey. In the Asian Games held in Indonesia in 2018, he participated in the training camp by joining the potential karate players of India.

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Jabir says the blessings of his parents and coach Pankaj Kambli have helped him succeed. Jabir's father Imtiaz Ansari Jhajha is a teacher in the school located in Tumbapahar village.