Who is Iffat Tejani?
Iffat Tejani co-founded the Evolve Cycling Network and is a British Cycling Breeze Champion, Level 1 Coach, and Level 2 Trainee. She is also on the board of directors for the Harrow Cycle Hub, which has trained more than 50 women to ride.[1] She is motivated to establish Evolve – The Cycling Network for Muslim Women since she has battled breast cancer twice. Evolve’s mission is to diversify cycling and increase its acceptance throughout Muslim Communities and to eliminate gender stereotypes. Not only has she co-founded Evolve but she has also played a massive part in establishing the Stanmore Jaffery’s ladies Cycling Club. Stanmore is a well-known, growing khoja community and Iffat’s positive impact and mentorship style has influenced many Muslim ladies to be able to ride alongside their children instead of just watching them! As a cycling coach, Tejani’s mission is to empower young athletes, especially girls and women, and provide them with the tools and support to excel in the sport. She firmly believes in the transformative power of cycling, promoting physical well-being, mental resilience, and personal growth. Through her coaching sessions, Tejani instils confidence, self-belief, and a sense of camaraderie among her students, creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth and achievement.
Early Life and Passion for Cycling-
Born into a Muslim family in Dar as Salaam, Tejani did not know how to cycle as a child. “None of us girls ever got on a bike,” she says. “We were sporty and would play rounders, but girls were not allowed to cycle – it would have been frowned upon.”[2]
“Whatever happens I’m forming a club”, those were Iffat’s words, after being diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. After her radiotherapy treatment hoping to treat the now level 3 cancer, she competed in a 5k run. She was adamant in not allowing the cancer to take over her life and began creating her own bucket list. The first on the list being able to ride a bike. After a lesson with St Johns Ambulance, Iffat joined Breeze rides, and soon after the idea to create a cycling group for Muslim women emerged where ideas would be shared and barriers would be torn down. At that point, the concept of organising women into a cycling network first emerged.
After a few weeks of consistent cycling with her family, Tejani was ready to further her cycling career and wanted to help other ladies who were eager to learn. She improved her fitness over the years, gained greater self-assurance, and joined group rides through British Cycling’s Breeze network. But something was missing from her cycling. She claims that “riding with other women who looked like me and had shared values. I could see the gap”. [3]Tejani became even more keen to start a cycling club for Muslim women after learning that there was a significant demand from friends at her neighbourhood mosque.
Empowering the Next Generation
Recognizing the need to inspire and guide other aspiring cyclists, Tejani transitioned from being an accomplished athlete to a cycling coach. She realized that her experience and knowledge could make a significant impact on the future of the sport.
In a post published by The Muslim News she states that she did not ‘know how to ride a bike as a child. I grew up in East Africa, and we just didn’t cycle. I learnt to cycle at the age of 37, and it was a diagnosis of cancer that woke me up. I have always been sporty. My husband cycles, and my kids do too. I always sat on the side-lines watching them. After the diagnosis, I really wanted to make a change, I wrote a bucket list.’[4] Recognizing her love for the sport, Tejani made a firm commitment to further her skills and knowledge. She immersed herself in the cycling world and her relentless dedication allowed her to not only improve as an athlete but also gain a deep understanding of the intricacies of the sport. Motivated by a desire to share her knowledge and inspire others, she decided to transition from being a competitive cyclist to a coach. This decision marked a pivotal moment in her life, as she embarked on a new path dedicated to shaping the future of cycling through mentorship. Tejani’s primary focus is on fostering an environment of growth, empowerment, and inclusivity.
This unwavering dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the cycling community has played a significant role in her award achievement. She has actively worked towards creating an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. Tejani has been instrumental in organizing initiatives that encourage participation from underrepresented groups, fostering a sense of belonging and opening doors for aspiring cyclists who may have previously felt excluded. She says that ‘a cycling club gives you an umbrella, a safety net and access to classes, rides and competitions alongside fellow members who share your passion, and where you can develop as a rider. This – very interestingly – also brings a sense of confidence into other aspects of a rider’s life.’ [5]
This picture was taken during the award ceremony celebrating and recognising Iffat’s success in empowering the next generation of riders.
‘This award holds immense value for us, and we are humbled by its recognition. Winning this accolade has undoubtedly brought the sport of cycling into the spotlight for the Muslim community, as we are proud to be the first Cycling affiliated Women/Go Ride club to achieve this honour.’[6] Iffat says.
Upon receiving the award, Iffat was joined by an extraordinary variety of motivational people from all origins, ages, and occupations who attended the event. She states that it was an honour to receive the medal from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and we could feel his passion for recognising cycling.
Iffat Tejani’s journey from an aspiring cyclist to a cycling coach is an inspiration to athletes and individuals around the world. Through her determination, she has shattered stereotypes, overcome challenges, and dedicated herself to empowering the next generation. As we celebrate her well-deserved recognition with the Muslim News Sport Award, the Khoja news team acknowledge the remarkable impact she has made and continue to support her in her efforts to transform the world of cycling. We wish her the best and pray to Allah (swt) to grant her success in all her endeavours, Ameen.
[1] https://evolvecyclingnetwork.com/team/iffattejani/
[2] https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cycling-weekly/2023-06-15/64887a335750442cff33b103
[3] https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cycling-weekly/2023-06-15/64887a335750442cff33b103
[4] https://muslimnews.co.uk/newspaper/interview/conversation-iffat-tejani-founder-evolve-cycling-network-muslim-women/
[5] https://muslimnews.co.uk/newspaper/interview/conversation-iffat-tejani-founder-evolve-cycling-network-muslim-women/
[6] https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7077319265413914624/