Two awards for Indian football coach Shabbir Ali Habib Virji, a Lifetime Achievement Award for snooker legend Yasin Merchant, and Indian representation on the international jury through sports and media professional Shuja Ali

MUMBAI / LONDON | 22 OCTOBER 2026

India made its mark at the WF50 Sports Awards 2026 in London, earning three honours at the global sporting celebration organised by the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities (KSIMC) on 17–18 October to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

The Indian recognition comprised two awards for legendary football personality Shabbir Ali Habib Virji, who was honoured for his inspirational sporting journey and contribution to football coaching in India, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports for celebrated Indian snooker champion Yasin Merchant.

Adding to India’s presence at the international event, Mumbai-based sports and media professional Shuja Ali represented India and Asia on the five-member international jury, which evaluated nominations from across the world.

Together, the honours highlighted India’s contribution to an international celebration of sporting excellence, lifetime achievement and community sports development.

Shabbir Ali Habib Virji Honoured for His Sporting Journey and Contribution to Football

Shabbir Ali Habib Virji received two awards recognising his inspirational sporting story and his impact as a football coach in India.

His recognition celebrated not only his sporting journey but also his contribution to nurturing talent and helping develop the next generation of footballers. The honours reflected the important role that experienced sporting professionals play in inspiring athletes and strengthening the foundations of sport.

Yasin Merchant Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

One of India’s most recognised names in snooker, Yasin Merchant was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports in acknowledgement of his contribution to the game.

His recognition celebrated a distinguished sporting journey and highlighted India’s presence in the international cue-sports landscape. The award also acknowledged the lasting contribution that accomplished sportspersons make to their disciplines and to future generations.

Shuja Ali Represents India and Asia on the International Jury

India’s presence extended beyond the award winners, with sports and media professional Shuja Ali serving on the five-member international jury at the WF50 Sports Awards.

With more than a decade of experience in sports journalism covering cricket, squash, football, martial arts and tennis, Ali brings professional experience spanning sports media, sports management, entertainment, filmmaking and podcasting.

His participation added an Indian and Asian perspective to the judging panel, which assessed nominations across categories celebrating sporting achievement, inspirational journeys, coaching excellence, lifetime contributions, para-sport and community sports development.

The jury members
Aasif Karim – Kenya Shabbir Tejani – Tanzania, Hussein Juma – UK
Shafiq Ebrahim – Canada
Shuja Ali – India

A Global Celebration of Sporting Excellence

The WF50 Sports Awards attracted more than 250 nominations from across the global community, recognising athletes, coaches, sporting pioneers, senior sportspersons, para-sportspersons and community organisations.

Alhaj Safder Jaffer, President of the World Federation of KSIMC, highlighted the role of sport in bringing communities together and promoting discipline, patience, humility and a sense of belonging.

Aasif Yusuf Karim, Chairman of the Sports Awards and Sports Festival Committee 2026 and Head of Jury, emphasised the importance of recognising not only champions but also the coaches, pioneers and institutions that help sporting talent flourish.

Held as part of the World Federation’s golden jubilee celebrations, the awards honoured a sporting legacy spanning more than a century and reinforced the importance of preserving sporting history, supporting emerging athletes and creating opportunities for future generations.

India’s Sporting Excellence on the Global Stage

The three honours at WF50 reflected different but complementary contributions to sport: Shabbir Ali Habib Virji’s inspirational journey and football coaching, Yasin Merchant’s lifetime contribution to snooker, and Shuja Ali’s participation in the international jury representing India and Asia.

India’s presence at the London event underscored the country’s contribution to the wider sporting community and its continuing role in celebrating sporting achievement across borders and generations.

About the World Federation of KSIMC

The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities (KSIMC) is an international organisation serving the religious, educational, social and community development needs of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri communities worldwide. Through its programmes and initiatives, it works to strengthen communities, support future generations and promote wellbeing, service and unity.