Khadija Patel Wins British Citizen Award, Receives Award in Niqab

The Islamic Information
Khadija Patel Wins British Citizen Award, Receives Award in Niqab

Khadija Patel, 39, received the British Citizen Award for her youth sports work in Bolton, then faced online abuse after a photo of her wearing a niqab went viral.
She said her work should be judged by her actions and not by her clothing, adding that the niqab “does not limit” her.
Lord Mott, a patron of the British Citizen Awards, condemned the abuse and praised her contribution to young people.

Khadija Patel, from Bolton, was honoured at the Palace of Westminster in London for founding KRIMMZ Youth Club, which runs sports and wellbeing sessions for children.

The Patron of the British Citizen Award, Lord Mott, said Khadija does valuable work inspiring and supporting young people — Picture Lancaster FA

The club focuses on girls from ethnically diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, though it also holds sessions for boys and children with additional needs. It works with local partners including the Lancashire Football Association.

“I was overwhelmed and humbled to receive the award,” Khadija said. “We are making a really big impact in empowering these young people to have access to sports.”

Photo Goes Viral

The Lancashire FA shared a photo of Khadija receiving her award alongside TV presenter Matt Allwright.

at The British Citizen Award ceremony. — Mirror Co UK

The picture spread quickly online, drawing widespread attention to her win.

Online Hate

The photo also drew abusive comments, most aimed at her face covering. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson shared the image and wrote it was hard to believe she had been recognised for empowering young women.

Khadija called the reaction “upsetting,” saying people were “seeing my clothes and not seeing my work.” She said wearing the niqab is a personal choice that makes her feel comfortable and confident, and does not define who she is.

“My work should be judged by my actions and not by what I am wearing,” she said. “We are a diverse community. We may not make the same choices in terms of clothing, but we should listen to people and celebrate what their work is.”

She said she has faced Islamophobia before but that the hate this time has been worse. “There has been a lot of negativity. I understand that people have a different view when it comes to my attire. It doesn’t stop me from serving my community.” She invited critics who “do not know me” to visit KRIMMZ and see her work directly.

KRIMMZ also came under attack for running girls-only sessions, a practice followed by many Muslim families once children reach puberty. GB News presenter Patrick Christys said awarding a group that separates boys and girls at sporting events was becoming normalised because of Islamic beliefs.

Khadija said the sessions are about inclusion and access, not exclusion. “We have non-Muslims who want to come to a swimming session which is woman-only,” she said. “We want to create an environment where they feel comfortable and feel safe.”

Lord Mott Backs Khadija

Lord Mott, a patron of the British Citizen Awards, said Khadija’s work deserved recognition, not abuse. “It is deeply disappointing that Khadija Patel has faced online abuse after being recognised for the outstanding contribution she has made to her community,” he told Metro.

Khadija was recently at Buckingham Palace after being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — Khadija recently visited Buckingham Palace to receive The Kings Award for Voluntary Service

He said her work creating opportunities for young women through sport, while building confidence, resilience and belonging, was a worthy example of the award’s aims.

Khadija runs sports events to give minority communities access to physical activity — Khadija organizes sports events to provide minority communities with opportunities to engage in physical activity

“There is no place for hatred or intimidation directed at someone because of their faith or the way they choose to dress,” he said. “I hope Khadija takes great pride in this well-deserved recognition and continues her valuable work inspiring and supporting young people for many years to come.”

Khadija has previously won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award for the North West.

Khadija Patel Wins British Citizen Award, Receives Award in Niqab
Warda Shahid.