Celebrating 20 years of inclusion, heritage & community through rugby. BARA champions equality, diversity, & opportunity for all on and beyond the field.
Proudly preserving stories and inspiring future generations through National Lottery Heritage Fund. The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) is a dual code, inclusive, UK not-for-profit NGO of ten years standing. It has a history of campaigning for equality and inclusion for Asian communities (not exclusively) in rugby, and has delivered tangible projects which break down cultural and religious b
28/08/2026
Every name has a story. Every story is part of our heritage.
Keith Sandhu
A respected player, coach and rugby league development pioneer. Today we recognise the name. His full story will follow.
Part of BARA’s Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby Project.
Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
21/08/2026
Rugby, Culture and a Place to Belong
BARA was delighted to be invited by Blake Simmons and rugby star Marisa Lowe from England Rugby to be part of the Muslim Scout Fellowship International Jamboree.
It was fantastic to see thousands of young people picking up a rugby ball, learning new skills and enjoying the game.
This is what reaching new communities is all about, taking rugby to where people are, creating opportunities and helping more young people feel that the game is for them.
It also connects strongly with BARA’s wider heritage work. Sport is an important part of our heritage, culture and identity, and events like this help create new stories and memories for the next generation.
As an organisation that has spent many years breaking down barriers and increasing South Asian representation in rugby, it was great for BARA to support such a positive event.
A huge well done to the Muslim Scout Fellowship, England Rugby and everyone involved in making it happen.
Sport is our culture and inclusion matters.
19/08/2026
Beyond the Try Line News – Leeds Road Festival
Our latest newsletter captures BARA’s heritage exhibition at this year’s Leeds Road Festival and celebrates the important role sport plays in culture, inclusion and bringing communities together.
A special mention to the founders Yaseen Mohammed and Saleem Akhtar, whose vision and hard work continue to make the Leeds Road Festival such an important celebration for Bradford.
Made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
19/08/2026
Another fantastic weekend at the Leeds Road Festival, sharing BARA’s, Beyond the Try Line - Celebrating Community Heritage In Rugby exhibition with the local community.
It was wonderful to see so many families and young people engaging within the Sport zone, learning about its diverse heritage and enjoying a festival that truly celebrates Bradford’s cultures and communities.
A huge thank you to the founders Yaseen Mohammed, Saleem Akhtar and the entire Leeds Road Festival team for inviting us and making BARA so welcome.
Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Players formaking our heritage project possible.
19/08/2026
🌟 Leeds Road Festival at Bradford Moor Park 🌟
What a fantastic day we had yesterday at the Leeds Road Festival in Bradford Moor Park!
It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy the event and everything it had to offer. The atmosphere was amazing, with a real sense of community spirit throughout the day that made it such a special occasion. ❤️
Our Foundation team were delighted to bring along the Fan Zone equipment, and it was fantastic to see so many children, families, and community members getting involved, having fun, and enjoying the activities on offer.
A special thank you to Yorkshire Cricket and Mario for being such great sports and joining in with the games throughout the day. It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved, having a laugh, and helping to create such a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Events like these are a great reminder of the power of bringing communities together, and we were proud to be part of such a positive and vibrant day.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated, organised, and supported the festival. Your efforts helped make the day a great success, and we loved being part of it.
What a day it was! We can't wait to do it all again. 💙💛
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14/08/2026
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE, HERITAGE AND UNITY
Two nations. Two proud histories. One shared commitment to building stronger communities together.
As Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on 14 August and India on 15 August, BARA proudly recognises the extraordinary heritage, culture and contributions of both communities, not only to rugby, but to British society and beyond.
For more than two decades, BARA has used the power of sport to bring people together, break down barriers and create opportunities for all.
Different histories. Shared heritage. Stronger together.
Part of Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby, made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
01/08/2026
Happy Yorkshire Day!
Today we celebrate Yorkshire’s rich heritage, proud traditions and the incredible people and communities who make our county so special.
As a Bradford-born organisation celebrating over 20 years, BARA is proud to call Yorkshire home. Through our National Lottery Heritage Fund, supported project, Beyond the Try Line – Celebrating Community Heritage in Rugby, we are preserving untold stories and recognising the diverse individuals and communities whose contributions have helped shape both rugby and Yorkshire.
Yorkshire’s strength has always been its people. By celebrating our shared history and embracing the diversity that enriches our county, we continue to build stronger, more connected communities for future generations.
Our sincere thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this important work and helping us preserve and share these stories.
Proudly Bradford. Proudly Yorkshire. Celebrating our shared British heritage.
Happy Yorkshire Day from everyone at BARA.
21/07/2026
It was great to join the British Asian Rugby Association at their event in Parliament to learn more about the community's contribution to Rugby League's history, present and future. Thanks to the fantastic Ikram Butt and the team for their exhibition.
19/07/2026
Please support the brilliant Beena Chadha, who is taking on an incredible challenge to help break the Guinness World Record for the longest game of rugby sevens—all while raising vital funds for the LooseHeadz Foundation.
A fantastic effort for such an important cause. Every donation and share will make a difference. Please support Beena if you can!
Beena's fundraiser for LooseHeadz Foundation Help Beena Chadha raise money to support LooseHeadz Foundation
08/07/2026