Published on May 25 2009 by Team NM

A first for New Malden; a first for Baitul Futuh. A record attendance of 38 participants. The region was admirably represented by two Qiadats. The first of the two Qiadats being the hosts. The NM Jedi’s of Baitul Futuh, with an approach grounded in precise tactics coherent structure. The invitees - the (over)zealous Morden Tigers, gung-ho in their approach with a tenacious appetite to win at all costs.

All eager participants met at our rendezvous point, car park of the old B&Q in New Malden, adjacent to Shannon’s Corner. A meeting point expertly chosen by Qaid Sahib, and probably his best and most well thought out decision of the day.

NM Jedi’s youth policy in team selection at this point shone through. A team comprising of half dozen Atfal. Atfal wise beyond their years. A selection with a clear emphasis on the future. Khalid Hayat brought his own paintballing gloves, giving NM Jedi’s the peace of mind that quality was on their side. For only a real pro surely would invest in paintballing gloves. Wrong. He had only been once before.

The first of eight sessions was to take place on a ridge. The objective of the game was to ‘capture the flag’. The Morden Tigers were gung ho in their first game. Shooting on first sight. Shooting on instinct. Even shooting the air in celebration. Only to realise that the paintballs were not free. Only to realise that they were not on the tab of Mahmood Rafiq. A shot to their confidence the like that can only be administered by a shot to one’s wallet. It visibly hurt.
 
The Morden lads, after this display of economic naivety decided to silence the NM jedi’s – however the manner in which they did so surprised all involved. In a display of overt masculinity, to show they were indeed the kings of the jungle, they decided they no longer needed their head gear. Paintballs? What paintballs? “They’re not real bullets, we don’t need any facial protection” they cried. The alpha males had risen again – silencing absolutely everyone, as all health and safety legislation was obliterated.

After these intense battles both teams came together for Zuhr/Asr prayers displaying the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity of being one: part of Baitul Futuh Region, and more significantly Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK. The passionate and zealous youth of the jama'at with the mighty honour of having the opportunity to be close to our beloved Huzur; Imam of the contemporary world.

The next event was to the capture the flag from a certain location and to then take it into the opponent’s base. With every one ready the whistle blew for the round to commence. NM Jedi’s were calm. They were relaxed. They carefully constructed their tactics, discussing the pros and cons for each idea placed forward. The masterpiece was created. Foolproof. A design of real beauty, that would guide them to victory. The Morden Tigers meanwhile made a quick dash to the flag. Got to the flag, and took it back. Game over. New Malden regrouped quickly and wanted to take revenge. Another flag match. Someone from NM would have to make the dash. Problem - No one was actually prepared to make the dash. Qaid Sahib, our leader, took the onus upon himself. He said he was fast, he told the story about him winning the National Khuddam 100m race when he was 17 that we all know off by heart. Who could argue with him? You’re not in the shape you once were Qaid Sahib. Nonsense. He made the dash. He ducked, he jumped, he crawled, he sprinted, he edged ever closer towards the flag. His toil though was about to reap the rewards, the dividends. He captured the flag, and with it the hearts of New Malden. Qaid Sahib relaxed, and in that moment, that millisecond of complacency, he was shot. And with that his dreams, and the dreams of so many were shattered.

The next game was called VIP. Where one person had to be protected at all costs as the VIP. New Malden soon realised that they had an advantage in this game. Having the Atfal on their side meant that they had the shortest member. This advantage was fully exploited. Surrounding a Tifl with the biggest Khuddam had to work. It did. Dirty tactics? Maybe. But at this stage it was ‘play to win’ and if you were in it you were there to win it. Compare this to the tactics of the Morden Tigers who simply brushed the paint stains from opponent’s shots into their overalls and continued playing, and you will understand the mentality to win.

At this stage Mahmood Rafiq was visibly worried that his economic situation had taken a real hit throughout the day. Qaid Sb, Morden, was thorough and strong in his words. No one was to leave without making their complete payment. “Music to my ears” - the elated whispers of our Muqami Veteran. Mahmood would go home today, having won and within his financial budget.  

Thanks to all those involved and for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us; granting a successful and incident-free social event. A special mention to Anas Rana, playing with the NM Jedi’s who was the only casualty of the day with a paintball nearly having taken his finger off, after he had raised his hand to declare himself out of the game. Far from happy, with the Morden Tigers using him as target practice. Lastly, the highlight of our event was the testimony of our guest accompanied by Dr Zaheer Tahir Sahib. Regardless of the result today, the New Malden team conducted themselves in a manner, manifesting the teachings of the Promised Messiah (as). Hence, the outcome of the event was divine and full of blessings; Allah had graciously further inclined the heart of our Non-Ahmadi guest towards Ahmadiyyat through our Tarbiyyat and spirit of brotherhood. Our sole purpose being to seek the unconditional and divine love of our beloved Lord, Alhamdulillah.

Click here for more photos