An inspirational Glasgow-based badminton coach has been awarded the Community Club Coach of the Year Award at the 2022 sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards.
Rajani Tyagi has been recognised for her longstanding commitment to making sport accessible to women of all abilities and backgrounds in a warm and comfortable environment.
The sportscotland COV Awards celebrate all those who break down barriers, inspire and enhance the lives of others through sport, and recognise the commitment of those who apply their own time and effort to make sport accessible to all.
Despite a packed and stressful schedule working as a doctor, India-born Rajani decided to dedicate her time to enhancing the lives of others through sport. She began volunteering with the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association (SEMSA), working hard to promote women’s sports across Glasgow. Within a short time, Rajani became a trustee of SEMSA and, soon after, treasurer of the organisation.
Recognising the need for a safe, non-judgemental space for women to participate in fun and physical exercise, Rajani trained to be a badminton coach in 2019, with the goal of running a sports club catered specifically to women – SEMSA’s local badminton sessions were born.
She then began branching out into other sports, forming a women’s only cricket team, which she trains and supervises on a regular basis. Through this activity, Rajani has further broadened women’s access to sport in Glasgow and created a fun environment for ladies to compete and participate.
Through these two clubs Rajani runs herself, she has significantly increased women’s participation in sport in her area, particularly those from an Islamic background, breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming environment for all. Thanks to Rajani, more than 50 women from a host of different faiths attend the badminton and cricket sessions.
The Community Club Coach of the Year award recognises her determination to bring happiness and health to the lives of others, and to create a space not only for exercise, but for forging friendships.
Rajani Tyagi said: “I played sports when I lived in India, and when I came to Glasgow I was looking for places I could start. I came across SEMSA and thought this was an absolutely fantastic platform - this is where it all began."
“For women who just want to take part in sport for recreation and some physical activity, it can be very daunting to go and play in proper clubs. I thought that, if I taught myself, then it would be easier for women to come and join me, and I could teach in a comfortable environment."
“I think people who are not involved in sport can underestimate its power in bringing communities together. In this club, I’ve got women from all over India, from Pakistan, and local girls as well – everyone gets to know more people, and then they make important, lasting connections.”
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements and moments that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport."
“Across Scotland, there are thousands of sporting enthusiasts who recognise the impact that sport and teamwork can have on our lives. The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and turned it into a life-changing force for good. Individuals like Rajani have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown the far-reaching benefits of community spirit and participation.”
This year sees the awards return for the first time since 2019, with sportscotland receiving 320 nominations covering 30 different sports across 31 local authorities. People keen to recognise the invaluable contributions of selfless coaches, officials and volunteers working across a range of sports the length and breadth of the country submitted their nominations earlier in the year.
The COV winners were invited to attend a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers as a thank you for their continued work and dedication.
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Find out more about our COV winners 2022
