World cup’s top goal scorer confirmed as Asian role model

WEST Auckland Town FC striker Amar Purewal says he is proud to have been chosen as a role model to highlight how an Asian background should be no barrier to playing football at a high level.

The 28-year-old, who joined the club this season, was judged the Non League Player of the Year at the Asian Football Awards, which were held in London last week.

Both he and his twin brother Arjun – who plays for Consett – were shortlisted for the award, along with Waqas Azam, from Chorley FC.

Although the brothers are Sunderland born and bred, the Purewal family has its roots in the Indian Punjab region.

And Mr Purewal believes it is his exploits playing for the Panjab FA in the 2016 Conifa World Cup that led to the award.

“I finished top scorer in that world cup. I think that's what got me noticed,” he said.

Conifa is the football federation for all associations outside FIFA and comprises nations, regions and minority communities – and Mr Purewal said he is looking forward to next year's competition, which will be staged in London.

“Hopefully we will go one better than last time and win it.”

But he says the Panjab team highlights how few players from the north with an Asian background play at such a standard.

“The lads are all England based, but more down south.

“Up north, how many Asian players can you name?

“We are trying to increase participation and raise awareness among Asians. They are good enough.”

Baljit Rihal, founder of the Asian Football Awards (AFA) said this was the reason for establishing the event.

“Asian communities are one of the most likely to play football in England at a recreational and grassroots level,” he said.

“However, the figures are simply not reflected at the elite end and more broadly within the administration of the game.

“There is a stark under representation of Asians across the football industry and the AFA have been designed to showcase inspirational role models such as Amar to help encourage future generations of Asians in football.”

Mr Rihal said the awards had created “an air of positivity which I truly believe can be harnessed for Asians in football to achieve bigger and better things”.

Mr Purewal said he had been playing since he was just seven and never encountered any problems because of his background.

He added: “I’ve been treated exactly the same as everyone else.”

He spent five years at Darlington FC after the club was reformed following relegation from the Football League, scoring 60 goals.

He joined Shildon last season before his summer move to West, where he has struck up an excellent partnership with the free scoring Nathan Fisher. Having been out injured with a severe muscle contusion, Mr Purewal hopes to be back in action this weekend when West travel to Ashington.