Mir Mohsin Ali Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Former India skipper and ex-Member of Parliament Mohammed Azharuddin assured Indian expatriates in Riyadh that if they take the initiative then he would extend full support and cooperation to establish Cricket Academy for children in the Kingdom. He was addressing a gathering of Indian expatriates at Riyadh Palace Hotel. Azharuddin appreciated the contributions of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamil Millia Islamia, while recalling that it was the Nizam of Hyderabad who generously contributed for the cause of education all over India. “He donated a whopping ten lakh rupees to the delegation of Aligarh Muslim University. Due to Nizam's generosity, Banaras Hindu University also got funds from him,” Azharuddin added while stating that ‘he always is proud to be a Hyderabadi'. Lauding the contributions and services of community members who received the awards, Azharuddin said that service to community is challenging and a tough job. “It is even tougher than playing a cricket match. The cricketers are under pressure and tension only when they are on the ground while social workers always work under pressure and they offer their services irrespective of time or place,” he added. Azharuddin said this is his third visit to Saudi Arabia and ‘he's astounded by the fact that his fans still like him'. He thanked the conveners Syed Akram Mohiuddin and Syed Aftab Nizami for organizing the felicitation ceremony on behalf of Non-Resident Indians in Riyadh. Azharuddin disclosed his close association with Mohiuddin. “He's a childhood friend and we studied and played together from Aliya Junior College, Hyderabad. While I've been associated with Nizami too closely for so many years.” Azharuddin is accompanied by his eldest son Mohammad Asaduddin Abbas and his cousin who is visiting the Kingdom for the first time Convener Mohiuddin welcomed the guest and thanked Azharuddin for accepting his invitation. Abdul Majeed, Salauddin, Mohammed Subhan too were prominent in the event. Mohiuddin and Nizami presented mementos to Azharuddin and Dr. Nadeem Akthar Tarin. Among those who were presented mementos in their respective walks of life are Salem Zubedi (HIRA), Dr. Najeeb Qasmi, Architect Abdul Rahman Saleem (HBU), Mohammed Quaiser (THH), K.N Wasif (Journalist), Shamim Khan (DCA), Dr. Ahmad Badshah (AMU), Obaid ur Rahman (Bihar Foundation), Dr. Abdul Sattar Gayas (GK International) Murshid Kamal (ICC), Gazal Mehdi (JAMIA) Aajaz Ahamed Bakshi Dr. Sayeed Mohiuddin (CEO Gulburgs.com) and Mir Mohsin Ali (Journalist). Youm Al Watani Cup cricket tournament, which is held every year to mark the Saudi National Day, plaque of honor was presented by Dr. Abdul Sattar Gayas and Mohammed Kaleem to Azharuddin. A unique Captain's Cap made of blue velvet and embedded with a sparkling white stone was presented by Mohammed Akram from Flynas Airlines to Azharuddin. Taqiuddin Mir conducted the proceedings.
