From childhood, my father instilled a love of sports in us.
He is a passionate fan of cricket – which meant that when a cricket match was on, my siblings and I could not watch any of our favourite television programmes. But we soon became huge fans as well and would watch the match together as a family. I think those are some of the best memories I have of my early years.
My younger sister was an athlete and was also a member of the national team for the Asian Games. She did us all very proud. I used to play table tennis, basketball and throwball and also participated in a women’s throwball league in Delhi, India. But cricket is still my first love!
Yes, sport is an integral part of me, so when my brother set up Insportz in Dubai and asked me to support his business, I was game for it!
Not all plans go as intended.
Insportz is an indoor sports facility – it was the most appropriate thing for a city like Dubai. But initially the concept did not catch on. Many people found it difficult to come to terms with the idea of playing an outdoor sport inside a closed facility. Many also complained that it was too expensive. So we began to invite people to use the facility for corporate sports events. The basic concept was that it could be used as a place to conduct team-building exercises and they instantly loved it. From then on, we did not have to look back.
As an indoor facility, Insportz is about so much more than just playing sport.
It brings people together, it serves as a place to network with like-minded people and it connects us all on the common level of fun and good health. I then introduced Labourer’s Day on which labourers could use the facility to play their favourite sports. It was fulfilling to see the facility being used by workers. They rarely get the chance to have fun, let alone play as a team. It was the start of so many wonderful things. Once we realised how easy it was to reach out and spread joy through sports activities, charity cricket matches became a regular feature. We collect registration fees and 50 per cent of the proceeds go to charity. We also sell banner space for advertisements for the day of the match, and here again, the proceeds go to charity. The Insportz team takes care of all the issues regarding organising the matches.
In addition to sports initiatives, I also offer emotional support to women in prison.
It began after I was approached by an NGO’s representative. His organisation was offering support to inmates at Al Aweer Central Prison. Some of the inmates were ill and were undergoing treatment at a government hospital. He invited me to visit the female patients and offer emotional support. I was unsure of how I could be of any help because I was neither trained for such tasks nor was I mentally prepared. However, I committed myself and since that morning my own outlook on life has not been the same. When I began my weekly sessions with the inmates, I was sceptical about how I would perceive these individuals and their troubled lives. I harboured fears that I might bring their worries into my home and create ripples in my peace, but the exact opposite happened. I learnt to forgive.
I learnt to let go. I was able to find peace in my own world. Not being judgemental about their decisions is not easy, but I listen to their part of the story without drawing conclusions. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen.
We need to build our lives on the basic joy of sharing and giving and not expect anything in return.
These experiences have changed me. I no longer see any friction in my life because I know there are so many people dealing with bigger issues. I am more calm and balanced. We are fortunate to have much, yet we think twice about sharing. You don’t need to be rich to share your heart. Sparing time and just listening to a lonely soul can give you so much contentment. Instead of being negative about others, let’s come together and make things better.
Quick questions
How do you make time for everything?
On weekdays, I attend to my role at Insportz and on weekends I do social work. One can’t be content in life unless one gives something back to people and society.
What does your family think about your social work?
My husband and my daughters support me and that means a lot. They look up to me and respect the work I do. If we can make a difference to the mindset of people, even if it’s only one person at a time, that should be enough to give hope to the community as
a whole.
Interview by Ruqya Khan, a Sharjah-based freelancer
