COMPLIMENTARY COPY ISSUE 115 JUNE 2017 www.sportsmonthly.co.ke

Aasif Karim's historic book and documentary launch JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 1 EDITOR Ben Ochieng' [email protected] cell-phone: 0727 264019 Editor’s CONTRIBUTORS Aasif Karim Kariuki Mwangi Grace Mwika NOTE Ben Ochieng'

PHOTOS Courtesy Why it is important to read and write biograhies

DESIGN AND LAYOUT May 24, 2017 was a milestone in the life of Aasif Karim with the Simple Edge Advertising Ltd launch of his book and documentary. Reading a great biography e-mail: [email protected] cell-phone: 0726 734 819 like that of Aasif is an exciting thriller because it provides valuable and useful lessons. Biographies allow one to stand on the DISTRIBUTION shoulders of giants. Reading biographies can allow you to see The magazine is not for sale further because of what these people have achieved. Reading biographies of historical figures can make them become your SPORTS MONTHLY MAGAZINE is published by mentors at a distance if you allow yourself the chance to think ALPHA SPORTS LTD P.O.Box 57386-00200 about what advice they might give you, or what they might do in Tel: 020-4349617/8/9 the situation or choice you are facing. Once you have decided to be a book reader, choosing to read biographies is a great way Twitter: @sportmonthlyke to expand your horizons, find new mentors and learn vicariously. Facebook: Sports Monthly It is in this context that we encourage you to read the biography Email: [email protected] and watch the documentary of Karims. Website : www.sportsmonthly.co.ke

Cover picture: Aasif and Tergat U18 Championship looms Pg. 5 African gets new chief Pg.6 Conundrum at NOCK Pg. 8 Darts needs image change Pg. 13 Cover story Pg. 15 Muthee, Korir clash Pg. 29 Sharad Ghai takes final bow Pg. 33 Last Word Pg. 34 Sports Monthly congratulates Aasif Karim on the launch of his book and documentary: The Karims - A Sporting Dynasty

Aasif Karim (right) hands over a copy of the Karims book during the launch to Mr.Pheroze Nowrojee

JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 3 JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 7 Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

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Congratulates Aasif Karim on the milestone of the launch of the book and documentary: The Karims - A Sporting Dynasty

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10 SPORTS MONTHLY JUNE 2017 Karim launches book, documentary for posterity

Former national cricket and tennis entitled: The Karims – A Sporting “I mooted the idea of publishing the teams , Aasif Karim, launched Dynasty, records the account of book in 1999 soon after the ICC his book and documentary on May 24 Aasif’s grandfather, Ahmed Karim, Cricket World Cup and later revised to chronicle his family’s history. who migrated from Kutch in the state my thought to include the possibility of Gujarat to Mombasa in 1926, of also making a documentary,” Aasif The book/documentary project tagging along all his children, among told the guests who gathered to them Yusuf Karim. witness the momentous occasion.

Yusuf’s engagement in tennis and The biography traces the story cricket heralded sporting careers of Yusuf Karim's family and the among his three sons who all remarkable contribution the kin made indulged in the two sports at some to sports in Kenya and amazing tale time, with the undying passion for of how the lineage came to have sport and enthusiasm built in the such a lasting imprint on the country's family already has been passed on to sporting heritage. three generations. The documentary is a two-hour movie Aasif’s journey to document his with sub-titles in nine languages and family’s history started in 2011 and has featured in Indian, Iranian and attained its high point with the launch Kenyan film festivals, whereas 350- during a colourful ceremony held at page coffee table volume contains a Nairobi restaurant and which was over 800 photos and history of attended by sports personalities, over 100 years on the family and industry players, media and people Kenyan sports especially cricket and from all walks of life. tennis and the family records and contribution to sports.

14 SPORTS MONTHLY JUNE 2017 Athletics legend, Paul Tergat, who was guest of honour during the occasion, regretted that Kenya as a sporting powerhouse has done great disservice to sports people by failing to take much pride in diversity and rich heritage such as the Karims sporting dynasty.

“Here is a family spanning three generations, excelling in two highly- rated sports, yet this knowledge is largely known only to them and perhaps, just a few close friends,” Tergat remarked.

“It is a tragic way to treat our sports The chairman of Judges and Ilako, who recalled his playing days in general and our sportsmen and Magistrates Vetting Board Chair with Aasif as was his teammate in women in particular. This, according Sharad Rao, said Aasif has made a Davis Cup tournaments. to me, is quite depressing,” he noted. mark in sports in Kenya. “The fact that this book has taken five years The seasoned career banker He said that what Kenyans see is just to complete is a big dedication. Your became famous as a teenager when tokenism in the name of appreciating decency, sensitivity and values are he represented the country in various the contribution of the players of the captivating," he remarked. lawn tennis events and alongside global multi-billion dollar industry. his brothers James and Charles and Renowned lawyer, Pheroze was at one time ranked number 793 The former world marathon record Nowrojee said the book is a history globally and like Aasif, Ilako also holder and five-time world cross of exceptional story of a Kenyan played for and captained Kenya country champion wished for a sporting family. Davis Cup Team time when Kenyans will completely shift from the way they do business India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, The occasion was also attended by around sports if they are serious Suchitra Durai said it was a matter of Mrs. Kulvinder Kaur who flew all the about matching global peers. pride that that the family with origins way from India. in Kutch in her country has been “It is amazing that we have not great in Kenya. The headmistress of Harkrishna celebrated our heroes with befitting Public School in New Delhi took it honours such as erecting a Aasif echoed Tergat’s sentiments for upon herself to make sub-titles in monument or laying down Walk-of- the creation of a fully fledged, stand- Gujirati, Hindi, Bengali and Punjabi Fame after them here in Nairobi,” alone Ministry of Sports in the near languages. Tergat lamented. future in order to take sports to higher heights. “I do not think that this is asking too much from our fellow countrymen and Aasif and his wife Nazneen also women. I am hopeful that our prayers founded the Safinaz Foundation in will be heard and granted by those 2014 in honour and respect of their charged with this responsibility,” parents to promote all types of sports Tergat added. and is also the proprietor of Sports Monthly, Kenya’s only existing sports Aasif’s former teammate in the Davis publication. Cup tournaments, Philip Ilako, said what people do in life echoes going Other guests who attended the into eternity and “This is such an event included CEO of World echo,” the former captain of Kenya Under-18 Athletics Championship, Davis Cup team who was ranked Mwangi Muthee; renowned sports 793 in the world by the Association administrator Njeri Onyango; and of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in former international tennis players January 1984 said. Susan Wakhungu-Githuku and Philip

JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 15 Maurice Odumbe is a former right-handed Pheroze Nowrojee is a prominent human batsman/right-arm offbreak bowler and past rights activist in Kenya who is cited by many captain for Kenya. He made his first-class younger Kenyan attorneys as an important debut in 1998 when Kenya played the touring mentor in their own legal work. He is an England ‘A’ side. He made his debut for Kenya intensely quiet man with Mahatma Gandhi- in 1990 against Bangladesh at the ICC Trophy. like quality to it. He even looks a bit like Odumbe won the Man-of-the-Match Award in Gandhi, who like him was an attorney. Gandhi one of cricket's biggest shocks, taking 3 for 14 was the leader of the Indian independence in Kenya's win over West Indies. Odumbe was movement against British rule and employed appointed national captain prior to the 1999 nonviolent civil disobedience to lead India to Cricket World Cup. independence.

Paul Tergat said the difference between a sportsman and a businessman is that the latter can delegate or remain absent from work and yet things move on in the office. A sportsman cannot do that - he has to train himself and perform himself - a very committed profession and needs to be greatly respected and honoured. Tergat held the world record in the marathon from 2003 to 2007.

16 SPORTS MONTHLY JUNE 2017 Aristocrats Insurance Brokers celebrates 25th anniversary

ARISTOCRATS Insurance Brokers Aasif and Naushad Merali of the underwriters.The company has Ltd. used the occasion of the book Sameer Group of Companies. In regional offices in Uganda and launch to mark its 25th anniversary. August 1993, Aasif was presented Tanzania with international links. with the opportunity to acquire the The firm has reached a major remaining shares held by Sameer Aasif attributes the firm’s success milestone from its humble beginnings Group of Companies. to “perseverance, aggressiveness, at Prudential Building in 1992, to professionalism, excellent customer steadily grow into a key player in Aasif and his wife, Nazneen, are the care and being focused.” the insurance industry and now has main shareholders of the company. In six subsidiaries; Safinaz Properties 1996, Aristocrats moved to the plush The MD is now looking to Ltd., Safinaz Investments Ltd., offices on 9th floor of Loita House institutionalise the company by Alpha Sports Ltd., Sports Monthly where the company occupied almost alliance and merging and with fresh magazine, and Jafferey Investments 4,000 square feet. In 2006, the firm ideas to take Aristocrats to the next Ltd. relocated to its property, Aristocrats level. House, located in posh suburb of Aristocrats used the occasion to Lavington Y alongo fJames Se rGichuruvice During the occasion, the mark its silver anniversary to review Roade oppositears St. Austin’s Academy. commemorative cake was cut by its achievements and plan in the way three senior members of staff – forward under the Managing Director Aristocrats is a one-stop General Johnson Gitari Ndunge who has been Aasif Karim. Insurance Service centre that offers with the company since its inception insurance cover policy at competitive 25 years ago; John Muli Makau and The firm was founded in 1992 by rates and links up clients to reputable Joyce Mutuku. JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 17 18 SPORTS MONTHLY JUNE 2017 JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 19 Aasif's book launch elicits more comments

The Karim’s: A Sporting Dynasty is It was 23 years ago when I first met Aasif Karim will always be our a fitting celebration of the prowess this tall handsome guy wearing the cherished hero. Brave as always, he and determination a single family has green coloured Kenya cricket team took on the arduous task of writing achieved across three generations training kit. I didn't know that he would his story and how inspiring it is! The and two sports. From Yusuf Karim one day become such a dear friend Mombasa boy used to take lonely who started it all with record breaking and more like a brother to me. Aasif is overnight buses to Nairobi to play top feats in tennis in Mombasa to the a thorough gentleman with a golden flight tennis and cricket against his son Aasif who went further, playing heart always willing to help others comfortable peers the following day. great tennis and even greater cricket to the core. His passion for sports We thank Aasif for putting our sport at international level and to Irfan runs like blood through his veins. I with the best and most iconic in the the grandson who is confidently have admired his professionalism at world – where our cricket once was. demonstrating world class talent in work alongside passion for cricket In his autobiography, the picture of cricket! The book is about legacies yet maintaining fair balance to his 1999 Cricket World Cup captains made and legacies continued and parents, children and wife Nazneen tells the whole story of his world class herein lies its magnetic resonance. in equal measure. We are proud achievement and example of what Meticulously researched, beautifully and privileged to be part of your life Kenyan sport can achieve. Aasif and thoughtfully designed with a and our hearts fill with joy on your stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the catalogue of nostalgic pictures and achievements and wish you and your greatest cricketers the world has ever newspaper cuttings, the production wonderful family success. seen. of the book was a seeming labour of love. What a fitting tribute to the ambition and accomplishments of the Karims! I could scarcely put the book down when I received it at the elegant book launch. The book gloriously showcases the importance of documenting and celebrating family achievements. It gives a sense of history and informs that standards of discipline and commitment to excellence can be passed down from one generation to another. More Haresh and Monica Mwangi Muthee Former achievers should be encouraged to Gokals Kenya international rugby union do what Aasif has done in chronicling forward the triumphs of this unique family. The book launch was a fantastic event and I am proud I was part of The book has captured the history it. Aasif is a close friend of mine and and Asian contribution to sports and was a dependable player during his its heroes beginning last century in heyday and I cherish having been his particular. I am proud of Aasif Karim teammate. He has set the pace and who played cricket during my tenure more sportsmen and women should as chairman of the KCA and it give me come forward and write the story of much pleasure that he also excelled their lives so that their recollections in tennis as well. Keep up the good can live forever. work and I wish you the Tito best. Odumbe Aasif’s Jimmy former Rayani Susan Wakhungu - Githuku national Former Former iternational tennis player teammate chairman, receives the book from Occidental KCA Insurance MD Mr. Asok Gosh

20 SPORTS MONTHLY JUNE 2017 The launch of the book was a great I have associated with Aasif Karim For Aasif to have taken time to occasion which brought together past for many years as a captain and pen his memoirs is a milestone. and present key players in Kenya – businessman in the field and off the More sports people should sportsmen administrators and media field. Whatever he does he does emulate Aasif and write their story amongst others. It was one of the it with seriousness and sincerity for future generations. It was a rare occasions that brought together it deserves as on the pitch he very good initiative from Karims the sports fraternity. With discipline is no nonsense as he gives 100 family and we can learn a lot from and determination, sports people can percent as he expects the same the book. I am humbled to have attain their dream. The Karims are from everyone of his team mates. been part of the story. My wish role models. The launched was well He has demonstrated his passion goes to other sports heroes to put organised. The call by Asif Karim for and desire for sport by being the up their story in books to mentor the creation of a fully-fledged sports first sports person to write his our next generation. Kadenges, ministry was apt and timely. own memoir and his family sports Odumbes, Tikolos, John Ngugi, legendary will remain on top for Tecla Loroupe, the Obuyas, Vitalis David many years to come. Oduor and my friend Paul Tergat. Jagongo We can only learn from the best. Kennedy Never walk alone. Those are our Sports Bwibo history in sports and we need to journalist. Aasif’s former learn from teammate them. Tony Suji Aasif's former teammate

JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 21 trials for the African championships and made her breakthrough during Kenyan Olympian: the event. On 18 August 2008 Jelimo won gold in the 800m at the Olympics in Pamela Jelimo a time of 1:54.87.

Pamela Jelimo was born in 1989 and specialised in the 800m. She won the gold medal in the event at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing at the age of 18 to become the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

She holds both the 800m world junior record and the senior African record over the same distance. Jelimo began in 2003, aged 13, at Koyo Secondary in the near .

The family was poor and struggled to pay the fees to send Jelimo to secondary school. She ran her first 800m race in April 2008 at the Kenyan

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JUNE 2017 SPORTS MONTHLY 27 Book, documentary launch a milestone to my family

May 24, 2017 was a historic and a symbolic day for my family. It is my hope that this will inspire many budding youngsters This was the day when a galaxy of personalities graced the and my fellow sportsmen and women who have done proud to occasion of the launch of a two-hour documentary and a 350- Kenya sports in the last 50 years to consider documenting their page coffee table book of the “The Karims – A Sporting Dynasty. achievements in one way or another for posperity.

The mid morning lunch programme was held at Toranj Restaurant We have also launched Safinaz Foundation with view to further Last Word in Lavington where over 200 guests attended to grace the promote all sports in Kenya and we look forward to partnering emotional and fulfilling project for the family. with organisations and individuals with similar ideology.

The guests included diplomats, sports personalities, God bless Kenyan sports! businessmen, family friends and my sports contemporaries and well wishers led by Kenya’s athletics legend and incoming May 2017, has also been a significant month for two other NOCK President, Paul Tergat who was the Chief Guest during reasons – we celebrated my mother’s 80th birthday on May the occasion. 8, 2017 in Mombasa where she resides. May God give her continued good health to continue blessing her children and The two projects, which took over six years to assemble, have grandchildren – Amen. impacted on my life a great deal. The two teams involved in the documentary and book project did great justice despite facing With the spirit of continous learning, I graduated as a Fellow various challenges in this colossal project. Arbitrator in May 2017 from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrator (UK & Kenya) after having also been Accredited Mediator in 2014 The book has over 800 photographs and over 100 newspaper from the same institute. articles ranging between 1920 and 2016. The journey I started in 2008 on the field of Alternate Dispute A great deal of time and resources was used to accomplish the Resolution now sees me sit on the panel of the Nairobi Centre of project. I take this opportunity to thank all the people, including International Arbitration, Tehran Regional Arbitration Centre and my staff, for their contribution towards the success of this project. Chartered Insistitute of Arbitration in UK and Kenya.

My gratitude to Themescape Ltd – in particular Amit Tyagi for In 2015, the Chief Justice, Willy Mutunga appointed me as one directing and producing the documentary and Edgar Theodore of the Mediators in the pilot project in the Kenyan Judiciary for (co-ordinator) and Yogita Mahtre (designer) in India for their Commercial and Family Mediation. effort and commitment to produce a Signature Coffee Table Book. This would also not have been possible without my I am excited and enjoy this added profession of Alternate Dispute children’s support and in particular my wife, Nazneen for her Resolution. I am truly blessed! resilience to ensure that we completed this once-in-a-life time Aasif Karim is project for us. a former Na- tional Cricket The book and the documentary will soon be available at leading team captain. He bookstores in Nairobi. This was one of the ways to pay tribute to played in three World Cups; our parents by honouring them in the documentary and the book. 1996, 1999 and 2003 and The full documentary is also on Youtube channel. One may also participated in go on the web - thekarims.co.ke, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Davis Cup ten- to catch up on various historic photographs, interviews, videos nis. He is a FEL- and newspaper cuttings. LOW Arbitrator and Accredited Me- On a personal note, I am extremely fulfilled to the core to have diator. He was been part and the driver of these two projects that have opened recently new avenue in life, both emotionally and spiritually. appointed Me- diator by the Ke- The launch programme could not have been better conclusion to nyan Judiciary this project. I thank all those who graced the occasion, including for all the renowned and respected speakers led by Her Excellency family and com- mercial the High Commissioner of India to Kenya Mrs. Suchitra Durai and disputes. our Chief Guest and my good friend Paul Tergat. Issue 115 34 SPORTS MONTHLY JUNE 2017 Our Branches in Kenya: Nairobi: Koinange Street, Mpaka Rd Westlands Dar salaam Rd, Industrial Area (Incorporated in )

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