BMet sport student is “packing perfect punches” to worldwide Thai boxing success
A rising BMet Sport Science student is punching and kicking his way to “global Thai boxing championship success” after gaining victory locally, nationally and internationally.
Muhammed Shazaib, who studies BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at Sutton Coldfield College, is currently crowned as champion in the coveted Muay Thai Junior 60kg World, European, British and English titles.
The talented level 3 ringster can enjoy the huge accolades, whilst achieving exemplary results in his studies – thanks to support from a new Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) Dual Career Programme.
The national scheme, which is specifically designed to foster success in academic and sporting pathways, has been running at BMet since the 2019-20 academic year.
It identifies the assurances that the college gives to student athletes, that they will support them whilst they are on a study programme at the college.
This means that alongside college, Muhammed has been able to train hard and compete all over the world as a first-class winning boxer, despite a very busy and competitive student schedule.
Speaking of his successes and hopes for the future, Muhammed, who has had a passion for boxing since he was child said: “I am so surprised that I have got this far and achieved what I have. I am so happy and feel proud also.
“In the future, I hope to work within physiotherapy or if not, I would like to open my own Muay Thai Boxing gym.
“I so am thankful to the support I have received from BMet, which has definitely helped me along my exciting and rewarding journey.”
The aim of the dual career program is to ensure that Muhammed and other students at BMet can compete at the top level of sport, whilst maintaining high academic standards and achieving target grades.
As a national champion, Muhammed has many demands placed upon him from both his course and his training/competitions.
Through TASS, however, he receives academic support during the times he is training or competing in major competitions. This is to ensure that he doesn’t miss out on his lessons and studies. Deadlines can also be adjusted, should he not meet any due to competitions.
Lee Chapman, Sports Lecturer at Sutton Coldfield College and Muhammed’s teacher said: “We are so proud of what Muhammed has achieved and that his sporting prowess seems to be going from strength to strength.
“Massive congratulations to Muhammed, who with hard work, determination & dedication has gained world-class achievements.”
BMet are committed to supporting young, aspiring sports performers to realise their sporting talents, but also to ensuring that they succeed in their education, maximising their future options.
Speaking of the huge benefits of the TASS Dual Career Program, Lee added: “We are excited to introduce this rewarding initiative here at BMet, which is set to give rise to fantastic careers for many of our other talented students.
“Staff recognise that sometimes flexibility and guidance is required to ensure that the Dual Career Athlete is not overawed or disadvantaged, due to their considerably more condensed commitments and that they are equally supported to maintain a sensible work-life balance.”
To date, Muhammed has acquired the following accolades: UK number 1 Muay Thai boxer, Two-time British Muay Thai Boxing champion, two-time Muay Thai Boxing English champion, 1-time Muay Thai Boxing European champion and S3 Muay Thai Boxing World Champion.
Muhammed is now working towards achieving a WBC World title and BMet wishes him all the best for the future.
You can find here out about BMet’s Sport courses and academies here