Kira Rai, a winger for Derby County Women, received an award recently in Parliament.

Rai was invited to the Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab (Birthday) Celebrations held at the Houses of Parliament at the beginning of December by the Sikh Network, the Sikh Federation, and the APPG for British Sikhs.

The occasion itself was an evening of joy, acknowledgment, and inspiration as well as a special chance to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—that there is only one God, one truth, and equality. The first of the 11 Sikh Gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is considered the founder of the Sikh religion.

The occasion was a perfect chance to honor British Sikhs who have made significant contributions to the community and wider society in the past year and to share inspirational moments from the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

As a British Sikh residing in the UK, Rai was honored for her contributions to sport.

“I am really proud to have received this award in parliament as being a Sikh and playing football are two things that are very important to me,” Rai said after accepting the honor.

“I am extremely appreciative of all the opportunities I get that can help inspire the next generation because I know that I have a responsibility to act as a role model for young South Asian girls who want to play football, both on and off the field.”

She joined the Women’s team as an Under-10 player and worked her way up through the minor ranks to eventually gain a spot in the senior squad. She is getting close to making 100 appearances for the Ewes and has established herself as a wonderful role model for South Asian females in Britain.

Outside of the game, she has undertaken a number of media appearances and grown to be a prominent spokesperson for South Asian women playing in English football.