Latest news with #Saim
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Students' gambit: Calgary foundation builds connection through chess
Team sports like soccer play fundamental parts of childhood development and signing up is a no-brainer for most parents. Generally, chess is not mentioned in the connection and world-building context with other, more physical team sports. However, a local organization is trying to change that narrative, beginning with brain-teasing Calgarians. The Checkmate Foundation , a Calgary-based not-for-profit, focuses on making chess accessible for everyone through tournaments, workshops and structured programming in schools and the community. While most events are open to everyone, they also run separate events focused on vulnerable, underrepresented, or marginalized groups. Muhammad Saim, the president of the Checkmate Foundation and UCalgary student, said in his experience, chess has helped build community connection, make friendships and positively impact mental health. 'For a lot of people, (chess) can help them build resilience,' he said. Beginning in the late pandemic, Checkmate was founded out of the need for connection. Initially, the foundation ran a virtual summer camp in partnership with Calgary charity Closer to Home to engage families and children in the sport. In the return to pre-COVID normalcy, the foundation has begun offering in-person classes, open to rook-ies and experienced players, all cost-free to attend. 'We first started off running our library sessions, where we provided places where people could come and learn chess, open to anyone. A lot of our sessions were tailored to beginners,' Saim said. After initial workshop success, the foundation began expanding sessions, with some focused on higher-level chess lessons and free play, an approach Saim said worked well. In addition to library classes, the foundation is involved with the Trellis Society , hosting games during their after-school program. Since its 2022 creation, Canada's only chess-based non-profit has taught more than 3,000 individuals, hosted more than 8,000 games and run more than 60 events, according to a foundation-made press release. The program has made progress aside from students, as they have taught in places like the Kerby Centre . 'A lot of seniors were really excited to learn chess, one of them even told us that he's learning chess because he wants to play with his grandson,' Saim said. 'It's a way to bridge those gaps and really allow people to make meaningful connections with each other.' The foundation has 65 active volunteers and a total of 200 volunteers in what Saim calls their 'volunteer pool.' In addition to chess knowledge, volunteers receive orientation and training to meet the specific needs of the groups they work with. Saim said that like him, most volunteers are University students within the 16-24 age range. This fall, the foundation has plans to work with the Calgary Dream Centre, an opportunity to teach the skills of chess to a new demographic, this time people who are recovering from homelessness and addiction. Saim said that he hopes that Checkmate volunteers can help make a positive difference in the lives of people who are struggling. They will host an eight-week program, with weekly chess sessions to be held in the centre's cafeteria. 'While many already know the basics of the game, the structured environment encourages reflection, focus, and social connection,' their media release reads. Without looking too far ahead, the foundation's next event is Saturday, June 7 at the Nose Hill Library. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Loud, proud and unstoppable: Queer changemakers to know this pride month
Pride Month begins today and brings with it a burst of colour, joy and courage. It is a time to celebrate love, freedom, and the right to being yourself. But for many queer people, showing up as themselves in the face of negativity is a brave choice. It is a brave act that comes with stares, comments, and sometimes even hate. Especially online, where negativity can spread faster than kindness. But despite all this, many continue to live their truth with boldness, beauty, and brilliance. There are voices that rise above the noise. They dance, they speak, they write, and they create. They remind us that Pride is not just a moment in June. It is a way of being. It is the decision to stand tall when others want you to shrink. It is the magic of turning pain into power. Here are incredible individuals who are doing just that. Designer Saim Ghani knows what it means to face hate and still choose love. As a queer creative in Mumbai, he often receives harsh comments online, but he meets them with strength and kindness. 'If someone sends hate, I try to turn it into love because love is the foundation of everything,' he says. For Saim, love is not just a feeling but a way to heal and grow. A post shared by Saim Ghani (@ At 31 years old, Saim works in fashion, a field where his identity, creativity and personal life come together. He refuses to hide who he is and shares his truth openly, just like his heterosexual friends do. 'Why should I hide a part of myself when others do not?' he asks. He believes queer people are no different from anyone else and that qualities like softness belong to all humans, not just one group. Growing up shy and quiet in an all-boys school, Saim struggled to understand himself. It was only when he joined fashion college that he found the courage to embrace his true self. Mumbai-based makeup artist and content creator Coco Ballucci has learned to keep their peace, even amid a barrage of social media hate. 'When you know your worth and the work you have put into building your life, the noise just fades,' they say. That quiet confidence is ten years in the making; taking a leap of faith, Coco moved from Kolkata to Chandigarh to become a professional makeup artist. A post shared by COCO (@cocoballucci_) But it was during the pandemic that they found their voice online. Their YouTube channel quickly found a loyal audience. 'My message is simple,' they say, adding, 'Keep laughing, be silly, and always work for yourself.' Their work also serves as an inspiration to young queer people, who reach out for guidance or just to say thank you. 'If my journey can light the way for someone else, I am doing something right,' Coco says. Zeesh, a drag performer based in Mumbai, knows that being visible is never simple. Now 30, the artist has learnt to exist boldly after years of trying to shape themselves to fit others' expectations. A post shared by ZEESH (@zeeessshh) 'After my first drag performance, a young person from the audience came up and said, 'Just by watching you, I felt like I could be myself, too.' It reminded me that my visibility is not just about me,' says Zeesh. 'It is also about others who have not yet found their voice,' they add. Their social media is now a safe space for young queer folks seeking softness, power, and joy. 'I am not just a force, but also a feeling. I am meant to be held, to be loved, to be human,' Zeesh tells us.
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Cork backs Raza as future Pak star
Emerging pacer Ali Raza has delivered some impressive performances for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing HBL PSL 10. Photo: PCB Former England bowler Dominic Cork has identified Pakistan's emerging fast bowler, Ali Raza, as a future star, praising the youngster's potential to rise through the ranks and represent the national team at the international level. Cork expressed strong admiration for Raza's bowling skills and believes the young pacer has the talent to lead Pakistan's bowling attack in the years to come. "This competition for the PCB is to grow young talent to play for Pakistan. I believe Ali Raza can be opening the bowling for Pakistan, that's how good I think he can be," said Cork. Ali Raza, currently showcasing his talent in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 for Peshawar Zalmi, has been in impressive form. The 17-year-old has claimed nine wickets in seven matches at an average of 24.11 and an economy rate of 8.03. His standout performances have put him in contention for selection in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin later this month. According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shortlisted five players for the series — four experienced campaigners and one rising talent. The players under consideration include Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Ali Raza. In a separate development, the PCB has officially confirmed that Bangladesh will tour Pakistan in May for a five-match T20 International series. Initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) as a series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, the format has now been revised to include only T20Is. The series will be held across two venues — Faisalabad and Lahore - from May 25 to June 3. Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, which recently hosted the Champions One-Day Cup and National T20 Cup, will stage the first two matches on May 25 and 27. The remaining three games will be played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on May 30, June 1, and June 3. All matches are scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM local time. Saim's World T20I XI Peshawar Zalmi's young left-handed batter, Saim Ayub, has unveiled his dream T20I World XI - and it comes with a surprising omission. Despite being one of Pakistan's rising stars, Saim chose to include only a single Pakistani player in his fantasy lineup, leaving out national captain Babar Azam. Speaking on the Off Topic Zalmi podcast, the 21-year-old was asked to pick his ideal T20I XI from currently active players, with a unique rule: no more than two players from the same country. Even with the allowance for two Pakistani selections, Saim named just one - opener Fakhar Zaman - pairing him at the top of the order with Australia's explosive batter, Travis Head. At number three, he picked England's aggressive wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler. He followed that with two powerhouse middle-order hitters - West Indies' Nicholas Pooran and South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen. England's Ben Stokes, renowned for delivering in high-pressure situations, slotted in at number six. For the all-round department, Saim placed his faith in India's Hardik Pandya, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, and New Zealand's Mitchell Santner - a trio capable of contributing with both bat and ball while controlling the middle overs. To round out the bowling attack, Saim picked two pace greats of modern T20 cricket — India's Jasprit Bumrah and Australia's Mitchell Starc. Regarding the young batter himself, Saim recently made his return to competitive cricket after suffering an ankle injury during the Test series against South Africa in December 2024. He had been undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, which led to his exclusion from Pakistan's squad for the home tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the white-ball series against New Zealand. The 22-year-old returned to action representing Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. So far, he has scored 119 runs in eight matches at an average of 14.87 and a strike rate of 117.82. Team: Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan), Travis Head (Australia), Jos Buttler (England), Nicholas Pooran (West Indies), Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa), Ben Stokes (England), Hardik Pandya (India), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand), Jasprit Bumrah (India), Mitchell Starc (Australia).
Business Recorder
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
No Babar Azam in Saim Ayub's Dream T20 World XI
In a surprising move, Pakistan opener and Peshawar Zalmi batter Saim Ayub has left out national star Babar Azam from his Dream T20 World XI. During the Zalmi Podcast, Saim was asked to select his ideal T20 side under one condition: no more than two players could be picked from a single country. Despite having the option to include two Pakistani players, Saim chose only one, left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman, who he named as his opening partner alongside Australia's Travis Head. England's explosive wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler was slotted in at No. 3, followed by Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) and Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) in the middle order. England's Ben Stokes was chosen for the No. 6 spot, adding firepower and balance to the lineup. PSL 10: Saim, bowlers power Peshawar to 7-wicket win over Multan In the all-rounder department, India's Hardik Pandya made the cut, while spin responsibilities were assigned to Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and New Zealand's Mitchell Santner, both known for their effectiveness in the middle overs. For the pace attack, Saim went with two of the most feared fast bowlers in the world, India's Jasprit Bumrah and Australia's Mitchell Starc. The omission of Babar Azam, one of the most consistent and high-ranking batters in T20 internationals, sparked debate among fans and analysts. However, Saim's selections reflect a modern, aggressive approach to T20 cricket, favouring power-hitters and all-rounders over classical anchors. PSL 10: Irfan Niazi stars in Karachi's thrilling win over Lahore Saim Ayub's Dream T20 World XI:
