Khilafat Reigns King in MKA USA
Qasim Rashid & Ahmad Rashid

August 10, 2008 - On a stage larger than any in the 100 year history of the Jamaat, Majlis Khudammal Ahmadiyya USA sent their elite to the UK for the International Khilafat Basketball Tournament.  This illustrious tournament was held on August 3^rd and 4^th, 2008, the weekend after the International UK Jalsa.

Respected Sadr Sahib Dr. Faheem Younus Qureshi received the invitation for this inaugural tournament months prior, as MKA USA hosted its own KIST Tournament in February.  Respected Sadr Sahib did not mince words.

“Our goal is nothing short of winning this tournament.  Not for bragging rights or pride or vanity, but to show the world that Khilafat is as strong as ever in America!”  Sadr Sahib paused for a minute and looked at each of the players.  “Can we win this?”  The direct question struck every player to the core.

It didn’t take but a moment for every player to affirm their confidence and commitment to train hard to win this tournament for the very reason Sadr Sahib explained, i.e. for Khilafat. After months of training, sacrificing, and coordinating, MKA USA organized and sent two teams comprising of the best of the best our great nation had to offer. 

Resiliency had been a hallmark of the players selected to represent team USA.  This characteristic shone brightly as Team USA overcame an early loss to Canada.  They responded by winning their next three games with confidence.  This winning streak earned our team a spot in the Championship game.  One win stood in the way of Team USA showing the world the strength of Khilafat in America.

The team that stood in their way was none other than Team Canada.  This was the same Team Canada that had beaten Team USA the day before. 

Playing their 5^th game in just two days, Team USA rallied as the underdogs to route Canada and claim victory.  By the Grace of Allah, Team USA won the International Khilafat Basketball Tournament.  Indeed our brothers from Canada were worthy contenders.  They played with great honor and excellent sportsmanship. As mentioned earlier, MKA USA sent two teams.  By the Grace of Allah the second team accomplished a wonderful 3^rd place finish.

What started as a brief conversation 6 months prior, ended as a victorious Team USA returned from the UK, crowned Champions.  However, their victory wasn’t simply in winning a basketball game.  The true victory was much greater.  The true victory my friends, was in showing the world that the true beauty of Khilafat e Ahmadiyya is alive and well in MKA USA. Alhumdolillah, Khilafat is King.

Below is a list of the Coaches and Players who made all this possible.  May Allah bless them and reward them for their noble efforts, Insha’allah.

USA BASKETBALL TEAMS:
TEAM USA NATIONAL  --            Name              Position 1.  Usman Jamil          pg 2.  Musa Kamara         sg 3.  Mubarak Bashir      sf 4.  Ahmed Malik           pf 5.  Abdullah Dosu        pf 6.  Hibbi Iqbal               sf 7.  Ali Khan                  pf 8.  Farhan Ahmad       pg      Irfan Jamil              Coach	TEAM USA ALL-STARS  --            Name              Position 1.  Temur Nasser        pg 2.  Ahmad  Rashid      sg 3.  Asad Tanvir            sf 4.  Khurram Bajwa      sf 5.  Kashif Choudhry     pf 6.  Imran Ahmad          pf 7.  Usman Shaikh        sg 8.  Khurram Shah        pg      Sohail Malik             Coach
MANAGEMENT STAFF 1.  Azhar Haneef                          Head Coach/Director 2.  Jameel Ghauri                        Asst. Head Coach 3.  Kashif Choudhry                     Manager/MKA Representative