Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved
with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
We want to use this opportunity where we have a bit more time on our hands to get to know you all a little bit better before getting back on the court!
This week we caught up with Abu-Bakr Ishtiaq of Lancashire Lions!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for Lancashire Lions.
How did you discover goalball?
I first played goalball when I was studying at Queen Alexandra College (QAC) in Birmingham. When I moved back home, I played for Rochdale and then Lancashire Lions.
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?
I like most genres of music apart from Heavy Metal! I especially like RnB, Hip Hop, Arabic, Asian and Bhangra. My favourite artists are Shakira, Beyonce, Little Mix, Four of Diamonds and Drake.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
Not really. I usually have cereal and tea for my breakfast and then wait for the minibus to arrive to take us to the tournament. When we arrive at the venue, I just get myself ready to play!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I like Mexican chicken with egg fried rice or noodles.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Amjad Khan. He is a very experienced player who I have known for a long time.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I am a big sports fan. I play cricket, baseball and tennis. I have also been to the Metro Blind Sports Games and competed in shotput, discus and javelin. I like watching football and support Manchester United. I also like watching cricket. I went to Old Trafford to support Pakistan when they played England this summer and Test Match Special tweeted about me! Follow this link to check it out. 
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I have been to Italy (to play baseball) and to Pakistan (to visit family). I have also been to Dubai and Saudi Arabia but the one place that I would really like to go to is Australia (to watch cricket). I want to see what it is like on the other side of the world!
