Inspirational Educating Yorkshire star and trainee detective from Dewsbury honoured at Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards 2025

Musharaf Asghar, the inspirational star of Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire, and Asqa Saleem, a police officer and trainee detective, were among the winners at this year’s gala awards event which was held at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on November 27.

The awards, founded by Bradford-based charity QED Foundation and supported by title sponsor York St John University, celebrate the achievements of young people aged between 16 and 35 of South Asian heritage who were born in or live and work in Yorkshire, and who have overcome deprivation and disadvantage, or overcome barriers to become successful in their chosen fields.

Twenty-six nominees were shortlisted for the 10 award categories at this year’s YAYAs, now into its fifth year, with Musharaf, who captured the nation’s hearts in the first series of the Channel 4 show in 2012, winning the Achievement in Media award.

A spokesperson for the awards said: “Musharaf, who rose to fame through Channel 4’s hit TV series Educating Yorkshire, has lived with a stammer since childhood. Despite bullying and social anxiety, he earned a broadcast journalism degree, using techniques to manage his speech.

“Now a motivational speaker, he inspires students to overcome challenges and explore diverse careers.

“He develops workshops on leadership and social anxiety, supports children with special needs, and shows that a stammer doesn’t define a person’s potential.”

21-year-old Asqa claimed the Public Sector award, sponsored by Born in Bradford.

A spokesperson said of the trainee detective: “Overcoming cultural barriers, Aqsa is a visible role model for young Asian females.

“She inspires others and hopes to be a positive role model at the same time as fulfilling her duties as a police officer.”

Other categories included Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever of the Year; Sport Award; Health / Mental Health or Healthcare Award; Arts and Creative Industries Award; Education Award; Private Sector / Young Entrepreneur Award; Not-for-Profit Sector Award; and Overcoming Life Obstacles Award.

Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, QED founder and chief executive, said: “The YAYAs are all about young people and celebrating their talents and achievements - not only the winners, but all of the nominees.

“It was a privilege to share the stage with so many gifted individuals and listen to their inspiring and often moving stories.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors, for without their generous support we simply wouldn’t be able to host these awards.”

The YAYs were set up in 2020 by QED Foundation to mark the organisation’s 30th anniversary.