Blades of glory: Roller skater bent on overcoming obstacles

Asim Khan claims to be the sole enthusiast in the city.

PESHAWAR:

Roaming the city’s streets just for entertainment is a challenging task for Asim Khan as the general public does not quite understand his idea of skating as a pastime. However, Khan’s passion has given him the courage to deal with such difficulties.

His sorrowful tale, which includes being tortured by the police, ridiculed by people, and being banned from entry in various public places and parks, has made skating tough for Khan, who claims to be the sole enthusiast in the city.

Khan left Government High School Sakar Dand, Charsadda in class 8. He turned to continue his studies as a private candidate because skating was more interesting for him despite strict opposition from his family.

“I was watching a movie where the hero was skating after a girl he loved. This attracted me and I thought I could do it regardless of the challenges or bans that would come my way,” Khan told The Express Tribune.

He added he didn’t have any money and the environment was not suitable for such an activity. Khan said his brother sent him roller skates from Abu Dhabi and he started practicing in the house. “A friend gave me the rest of the equipment as a gift.”



“The police locked me up some time ago for two hours because they suspected I was carrying something suspicious. I have also been forced out of public places such as the University of Peshawar, Army Stadium and Cantonment,” said Khan, adding the locals always stare at him when he skates.

But some people are keen to see him continue, with many asking for his contact number, shaking his hand, and approaching him to train enthusiastic youngsters.

Khan maintained roller skates are very expensive, adding his brother usually sends more when the ones he has get worn out. “I usually practice late at night when there is no traffic,” he said.



“What is wrong with this sport? People skate in developed countries and there are even policemen on skates in Indonesia. Here I cannot go out on the streets because people have a conservative mindset and believe I am brining western culture to the city.”

Khan wished the government and philanthropists would support the sport so he could go abroad and represent the country in international tournaments.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2013.