Wheelchair Fencing Champion Chesam Riyaz feted

Imphal, January 06, 2013

Physically challenged Minority Muslim sportsperson Chesam Riyaz feted

In a reception function organized by the United Golapati Youth Organisation at Golapati, Imphal on 6 Jan 2013 feted the physically challenged minority Muslim youth Chesam Riyaz who won 1 gold , 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals in the 5th National Wheelchair Fencing Championship held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar from December 28 to 30, 2012.

The function was attended by the Secretary of the Manipur State Minorities Commission Dr. Md. Raheijuddin Sheikh as the Chief Guest, Advocate Md. Abdul Quayum as the President, Social Activists Md. Karim, Md. Abdul Malik and Youth Affairs & Sports officer Md. Farizuddin as the Guests of Honors.

The 27 years old Chesam Riyaz, son of (late) Abdul Helim and Amira Bibi originally from Yairipok and residing at present at Minuthong Hatta, Imphal is a dropped out from pursuing higher education after Class X as his mother who is engaged in street vegetable vendor after the loss of her husband, could not bear for his further studies. Riyaz then, joined Wheelchair Fencing Academy at Singjamei Pishum Haobam Marak in 2012.

Physically challenged Minority Muslim sportsperson Chesam Riyaz feted

Reminding the series of reception ceremonies were held at different capacities at various places throughout the year 2012 when Md. Ismat stood first position in the country’s most important CBSE-AISSE examination 2012, the chief guest Dr. M. R. Sheikh said that the Minority Muslim youths are now marching ahead in the field of Education but the number of youths participating in the field of Sports and Culture is very few.

The Meitei-Pangal youths have more potential for successful careers in Sports and Culture. He urged the youths to give up any sort of unfair activities like drug abuses, back-biting and to go ahead for careers in the field of sports and cultural activities because Education, Sports and Culture are the only resources that we would invest for the development of Manipur. He also said that in the past, the name of one Md. Manu a veteran Polo Player was heard during his childhood. After then, he could hear no names from Muslims in Manipur in the field of Sports. However, since the past a few years, Muslims are found bringing laurels in Sports which is a sign of positive attitudes of the Muslim Youths. He extended thanks to the Mother of the Champion Smt. Amira Bibi for shaping her son to be a successful achiever of the prestigious medals.

Physically challenged Minority Muslim sportsperson Chesam Riyaz feted

Giving the Presidential address, Md. Quayum said that Chesam Riyaz has enough muscular energy which is being stored in his arms though his legs are powerless. Given opportunity, his arms shall be an asset to any competition and he can even win the Gold medals in the Olympic Games or the Paralympics. People should support him in all possible ways for the upcoming events in the National and International Levels.

Chesam Riyaz was felicitated by offering gift hampers and cash which were handed over by the Chief Guest of the function.