Imran Hassan - Initiate Sports

With his strong ambition and professional expertise, Imran has built up a solid track record of high profile marketing and business experience working with a wide range of clients in the both the public and private sector including the Metropolitan Police, Bank of Scotland, Star (a News Corporation Company), McCann Erickson, Essel Group, TMP Worldwide and COI Communications

Imran has successfully recently launched a number of start up businesses in India and the Far East including the launch of a Sports Magazine (www.AllSportsMag.in), a chain of Sports Bars in India, an online gaming company ($6m launch), the Asian Poker Classic, the India Poker Tour, a technology company and the launch of a new football club in Mumbai.

Imran passionately devotes time and energy to many charitable initiatives demonstrating a strong commitment to the wider community. In 2004, Imran founded the cancer support group 'Parents with Cancer', in 2008 Imran launched the Hassan Foundation in honour of his father, which focuses on building community links and Get Healthy Initiatives.

Whether it's in business or pleasure, Imran is a man who likes a challenge. Imran is a keen sportsman, enjoying golf, skiing and football. His passion for these sports has led him to create numerous sporting brands in the UK and India.

Imran on the AFA: " We have seen positive movement within the development of Asians in the game. We feel that recognition and acknowledgement of individuals and organisations is a fundamental part of developing more individuals in the professional game."

"I am delighted to be involved in the Asian Football Awards and look forward to celebrating all aspects of the game from investors, players, coaches and those involved behind the scenes."

To connect with Imran email him on imran@initiatesports.com or find out more on LinkedIn Click Here

Baljit Rihal - Inventive Sports

Baljit is passionate about raising awareness of the lack of Asian participation in Football. He is an active member of the Asians in Football Forum run by Kick Racism Out of Football. He co-founded the Asian Football Awards in a quest to help highlight the positives that are present in Asian Football, as well as provide a networking opportunity for key industry representatives.

He is a Director of Inventive Sports, a company whose ethos is to promote future champions. Inventive Sports have hosted community events in West London with Premiership Clubs. More recently they worked closely with QPR and The FA in launching the first ever Premiership Player Development Centre in the country.

Baljit is a Football Agent licensed by The Football Association of England. He is entitled to operate throughout FIFA's jurisdiction as a players' agent.

He holds a Masters degree in IT, an undergraduate degree in Economics as well as having over 10 years corporate IT experience.

Baljit also serves his community as a Justice of the Peace at the local Magistrates Court. His role in Her Majesty's Court Service has seen him become a strong advocate of helping to ensure the bench is more reflective of UK society. He has helped support Operation Black Vote and has spoken on their behalf at the Houses of Parliament alongside celebrity speakers.

Baljit on the AFA: "The first Asian Football Awards promises to be a fantastic opportunity to network with influential personnel from the football industry. We are proud to be hosting this event and are sure that Asian participation in UK football will benefit its inception."