Azam Khan – The young cricketer who thankfully got it right in his first match! I shudder to think what if – he had been out first ball?
This is the story about a young man called Azam Khan. Azam was overweight – obese is what some might call him. Azam employed a personal trainer to help him lose weight. He lost 21 kg and continues on his journey to become fitter. He has dropped considerable fat and gained muscle. Azam is still over weight, but he’s working hard on his fitness levels.
Azam was also the son of a well known veteran cricketer – Moin Khan.
Azam was selected to play on the team for Quetta Gladiators for which his father Moin Khan is the coach.
But we all know this, right?
What we also know is, (and many of us were guilty of this) – that as this young man walked on to the field, full of hope, nervous anxiety making him sick probably (his first time in a league match), the pressure to prove himself looming large over his shoulders – there were many who laughed at him!
Before this young man could play a single ball – he had already been relegated to the long line of sifaarshis – parchi was a word used by many.
He was subjected to fat shaming online, and in the field.
He is 21 years old.
Lucky for Azam Khan, he batted with an Inzamam-ish style streak that gained him hero status after the Quetta vs Islamabad match.
Lucky for him, he won the Player of the match award.
Lucky for him, that he didn’t get out first ball.
But the memes that streamed online were still quite offensive, despite the fact that the young man had given it his best.
Agreed, fitness is a prime measure of a sportsman, but a league team does not have as stringent fitness rules (correct me if I’m wrong) as opposed to a National team.
My take?
Give the boy a chance, let him walk before he can run. He has proved his potential, and he has posted online updates that he is working hard towards gaining a fitter body.
Perhaps our Twitter followers need to hold that finger before they click, write, post memes and just make a mockery about anything, everything and everyone!
After all, it could be your son out there, and worse, … it could even be you! How many of you would have the courage to face the crowd on the field and the Twitter comments off the field at the tender age of 21? And STILL carry on?
Just a few words to reflect upon, for the rest of the PSL games!
Azam Khan went on to prove his critics wrong. But lucky for him, his batting worked for him in his first match ever. If things had not gone right for jhim on the field that day, I shudder to think about the trolling and meme game online.
Our athletes are expected to set the example – of fine sportsmanship and good behaviour on, and off the field – perhaps the crowd and fans should also think about playing their role.
Taali kabhi ek haath se nahin bajhtee – kya samjhay?
Oh, and btw, for those who didn’t know it – this young man can sing too!
