A rising BMet Sport Science student is punching and kicking his way to global Thai boxing championship success after gaining victory locally, nationally and internationally.

Muhammed Shazaib (pictured), who studies BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science at Sutton Coldfield College, holds the Muay Thai Junior 60kg World, European, British and English titles.

The talented ringster can enjoy the huge accolades, while achieving exemplary results in his studies - thanks to support from a new Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) Dual Career Programme.

The national scheme, which is designed to foster success in academic and sporting pathways, has been running at BMet since the 2019-20 academic year.

The college gives assurances to student athletes that they will support them while they are on a study programme at the college. 

This means that alongside college, Muhammed has been able to train hard and compete all over the world as a first-class boxer, despite a very busy and competitive student schedule.

Muhammed said: “I am so surprised that I have got this far and achieved what I have. I am so happy and feel proud also.

“In the future, I hope to work within physiotherapy or if not, I would like to open my own Muay Thai Boxing gym.

“I so am thankful to the support I have received from BMet, which has definitely helped me along my exciting and rewarding journey.”

The aim of the dual career programme is to ensure that Muhammed and other students at BMet can compete at the top level of sport, while maintaining high academic standards and achieving target grades.

Through TASS, Muhammed receives academic support during when he is training or competing in major competitions.

This is to ensure that he doesn’t miss out on lessons and studies. Deadlines can also be adjusted, should he not meet any due to competitions.

Lee Chapman, sports lecturer at Sutton Coldfield College and Muhammed’s teacher said: “Massive congratulations to Muhammed, who with hard work, determination and dedication has gained world-class achievements.”

Packing a punch: BMet is helping Muhammed Shazaib succeed in and out of the ring