Published on Jun 26 2009 by Team NM

Nadal - Federer - Murray, top-three ATP ranked tennis players in the world. Wimbledon - the oldest grand slam played on quality grass, along with traditions, of eating strawberries and cream. On this occasion - no superstars, no plush grass courts, but hold on, did you say ‘strawberries and cream’ - Yes indeed! Humza was kind enough to stock up on a fresh supply of ‘strawberries & cream’; providing us all, with a Wimbledon-esque experience at the MKA Tennis Tournament held in Slough.

Qaid Sahib had given us plenty of notice for this prestigious event. But we had failed to read the small print on the itinerary; the start time, and more significantly – the rendezvous time. Without these key details the Khuddam of New Malden said ‘yes’ in vast numbers. Then the night before, Qaid Sahib - suspecting our nonchalance, for a timely departure, smashed everyone - with a 07.45am meet time. And with that dreams were destroyed. Thoughts of a relaxing day in the sun vanished. The textbook last minute excuses flooded through; namely, our Nazim Maal, Haaris Hafeez - who, familiar with the delicacy of the situation at hand, personally paid Qaid Sb a house visit: brokering a deal. Completely stunned by a 07.45 start he cried “I thought it was going to start at 10ish”. “No problems” replied Qaid Sahib, “You come when you want”. Haaris – “ummmmmmm”. It all boiled down to the requirements of a 'lie in' on a Sunday morning. The words “I owe you one Qaid Sahib” will be remembered and held onto for years, until the right moment, a moment carefully chosen, the moment when Haaris least suspects it, when he is least ready. He must in short now be ready, for Qaid Sahib is waiting to strike. The rest of us able to watch with baited breath. And yet still New Malden cruised up in four cars, and with 15 people - Alhamdulillah.

Qaid Sahib, opportunely, at the rendezvous point, expressed his thanks and appreciation, for meeting at such an earlier hour on a Sunday morning. A silent prayer was offered, for the success of the event, an excellent experience for us all, and a safe journey to and from the venue - marking the start of our journey.

Fifty participants; 10 from New Malden. A proud contribution - our objective not to win, but for the Khuddam and Atfal from New Malden to further develop relationships with each other, as well as meet like minded people from all over the country. Although, winning is always a nice unexpected extra.

The signs were promising. Signs with Windsor, Eton wherever I looked. The heart of England. A home for the Queen. A true British setting befit for any tennis tournament. Images of trees waving in the breeze, fields, and straw hats had engulfed my mind. The exit for Slough was taken, and my dreams turned to stone, literally.

The early rendezvous was however clearly justified. Atif, our Glaswegian brother complete with strong Scottish heritage, became unable to understand his Tom Tom - maybe it was the well spoken English accent, or then again, it was an inability to follow female instructions. For the cars following him, it produced nothing short of mayhem. Forty-five minutues to Slough, and a further 45e minutes to become accustomed to the intricacy of Slough’s road network and we were there. New Malden to Slough Tennis Centre: 1.5hrs, all without a hint of traffic.

The sun was out, as were the Slough Massive. All around the courts, making their way through the park, to purchase items from the SanatoTijarat (Trade & Industry) store, aka – the MKA tuck shop, Khuddam Stall - extremely competitive prices, which no recession feeling individual could deny. A store that appeals to the masses - from cans of coke, to strawberries and cream - there is something for all. Coming to a Khuddam event near you!

It was here that Atif decided to begin calling Humza ‘Beach Boy’. Complete with flip flops, shorts and a straw hat. Humza was indeed painfully silenced and unable to offer any response. There were some who believed Humza should have been playing. Rumours were spreading, that he believed that as he had no chance of winning - no need to enter – the early defeat in the PES9 tournament had flatened his quirky cheekiness; the cheekiness we all came to love. Okasha Sami, Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat and former Qaid, New Malden, made a cameo appearance with the honorary member of his team: his son - Amaan. Their rehearsed exit strategy was admired by all, with Amaan tugging at Okasha’s trouser leg, ‘Dad, let's go home – Uncle Humza can take care of the Khuddam stall.' Maybe not the exact verbiage, but the familiar look into Dad’s eyes – to it’s time!. Before you could say ‘Sanat-o-Tijarat’, the duo had disappeared from sight, and most probably to be seen again, at a forthcoming Khuddam event.

Lunch time was soon arriving, one of the organisers told me they had gone for pasta, an athletes diet I was told. This seemed spot on until I saw Usman coughing and sweating. Chilli - of course. Let’s just say it wasn’t the only moment in the day when Usman couldn’t handle the heat.  Sala'at - activity paused! Khuddam and Atfal congregated in the hired room, adjacent to the indoor courts; time for the observance of our Zuhr and Asr prayers, with the indoor courts used as an overflow area.

The most notable game of the day, was the line up of Usman Ch vs Dr Zaheer Tahir, Naib Qaid, New Malden, soon to depart the region; a sad affair for us all. It was the first, of a subtle plot, that was emerging whereby New Malden participants were being pitted against each other. Dr Zaheer, so humble, so caring, so kind, clearly used his alter ego on the tennis court. ‘The Doc’ became a true bruiser, a real clatterer; bullying opponents on the court, with his big left-hand forearm.

Three of the 10 participants from New Malden, reached the last 16: Waheed Malik, Omar Chaudhry and Tariq Hayat. Tariq Hayat, our proud sole survivor to reach the Quarter Finals - the last eight where the magic happens - where the crowds come alive, and the electricity can be felt. A stage of the tournament, where all bets are off, where match winners come to the fore. When true champions begin to show their true class and worth. At this stage the trophy begins to shine that little bit more. The silverware can almost be smelt. Big players for big matches. It is he who can control their adrenaline, their emotions, and execute their skills that will emerge victorious. Matched against Arshad Ahmedi Sahib, a Nasir, who needs no introduction. Having approximately 30 years on Tariq, this was very much youth against experience. Experience brings with it a wisdom; something that cannot be taught. It cannot be replicated through any other medium. It is truly intangible. And with that Tariq Sahib was beaten. Nevertheless, a good show by Tariq Hayat to reach the last eight.

Atfal Team NM was represented by three Atfal from a total of 25 attending the event. By the grace of Allah and our prayers alone, we were blessed with a New Malden final, with Raheel Ahmad, formerly of Worcester Park, deciding to cross the A3 border to join team NM and its spirit of brotherhood alongside the tender ribbing. He was to play Babar Hashmi, a tender age of 13, known to many as the brother of Shahid Hashmi: goal keeper of TeamNM and the nephew of Fayyaz Sheikh Sahib, Naib Sadr MKA UK. A fine final played in excellent spirit, where the engine of Raheel enabled him to cross the line, 3-1 in games, although Barbar; it is obvious to see -  is a five-set specialist. The Atfal were even treated to three hours of professional coaching, all included in their £3 - Unbelievable value! Coaching, I very much would have liked to have been a part of, and a session Team NM should have been encouraged to attend. 

A truly excellent event; running smoothly throughout. A great day out, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks to all the Khuddam and Atfal from New Malden, that took the time to attend the tennis tournament in Slough. Also, a special thanks to the Farooq Mirza, Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani and his able team for their efforts before and during the event. This event encapsulated what all events should strive towards: Promoting brotherhood, a love for all, and a desire to show the camaraderie of the youth in our Jama’at. May Allah grant them His nearness - Ameen.

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