Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials, coaches, or anyone!
This week we caught up with Riyaz Hazi!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for Kirklees, which is a club located in West Yorkshire.
How did you discover goalball?
I attended a secondary school called Moor End in Huddersfield. They had a visually impaired unit, where they offered goalball as an after school activity. I gave it a go and 21 years later, I am still playing.
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 many types of music. Ahead of a tournament, I like listening to club music though, similar to what I listen to in the gym, to get me moving.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I’m not a superstitious person, so I don’t have any particular pre-game rituals.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
You cannot go far wrong with a large steak!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I would not say that there are any particular players that I admire or aspire to be. As long as I have played to the best of my ability in a game, I am happy with that.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I like going to the gym and spending time with my family. I also enjoy going to restaurants.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I’d love to visit the Wankhede cricket stadium in Mumbai, as that is where India won the World Cup in 2011. I would also like to visit the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur as I am fascinated by tall buildings. Additionally, there is a walkway between the 2 towers on the 41st floor, which I would like to walk along. This is the world’s highest retractable connector between 2 different buildings.
