At Rising Star Sports Academy, our coaches and trainers are the cornerstone of our success. Each member of our coaching team brings years of valuable experience, expert knowledge, and a deep passion for nurturing talent. They possess strong leadership and communication skills, allowing them to connect with young athletes while effectively guiding them toward their goals. With a solid command of their respective sports and up-to-date training methods, our coaches not only teach technical skills but also inspire confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Their dedication to developing well-rounded athletes makes Rising Star Sports Academy a trusted and empowering environment for aspiring players.
Liaqat Ali Khan is a highly experienced and dedicated physiotherapist with over 20 years of clinical and sports rehabilitation experience across Canada, Sweden, and Pakistan. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine from Lund University, Sweden, and a Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy from JPMC, Pakistan. Liaqat has worked extensively in multidisciplinary settings, providing patient-centered care that focuses on rehabilitation, pain management, and functional recovery.
Currently practicing at Physiodome Mission in Calgary, Liaqat specializes in treating musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and neurological conditions. His advanced certifications include Neurokinetic Therapy Level 2, Dry Needling, and Concussion Management. He has also served as a physiotherapist for the Pakistan Cricket Board, bringing valuable expertise in athletic assessment, injury prevention, and high-performance recovery.
Liaqat is known for developing individualized treatment plans that integrate manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to support long-term health. He collaborates closely with healthcare teams to deliver holistic and evidence-based care. His diverse international background and strong commitment to patient outcomes make him a trusted and respected professional in the field of physiotherapy.
Azim Charania brings a lifelong passion for badminton and extensive competitive experience to his role as a Youth Badminton Coach. Originally from Kenya, Azim’s love for the sport began in his youth, where he became the Nyanza Province Champion, demonstrating his early talent and dedication.
After moving to Canada, Azim continued to excel in badminton. He is a Gold Medalist at the Ismaili Canada Games and has earned both Gold and Silver Medals at the Alberta 55 Plus Games. These achievements reflect his ongoing competitive spirit and enthusiasm for the game, which have only grown stronger over the years.
Azim is deeply dedicated to supporting and mentoring the next generation of players. His wealth of experience, passion for coaching, and commitment to youth development make him an invaluable member of the badminton community.
Anshul Garg is an experienced badminton coach with over 14 years of active involvement in the sport and a professional background in IT, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication from Chitkara University, Chandigarh, India. His journey in badminton began at a young age, achieving notable success as a National Level Badminton Championship player under-17 in India. He also captained his university badminton team for four years, earning the title of “Corporate Winner” and leading his team to multiple victories.
Since moving to Calgary, Anshul has continued to excel, winning three local tournaments within the past year. His coaching career reflects a strong commitment to developing players of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. Anshul specializes in organizing team practices, creating tailored training programs, and providing individualized coaching to refine techniques and strategies. His leadership has contributed to regional tournament successes and noticeable improvements in team performance through innovative training methods.
With extensive knowledge of badminton techniques, strong communication skills, and a natural ability to motivate and inspire, Anshul is dedicated to fostering player growth and promoting a positive, competitive spirit within the badminton community.
Chuong is a dedicated, high-energy professional with a strong background in engineering, leadership, and community involvement. With years of experience managing cross-functional teams at Shell Canada and providing high-level administrative support, he brings a structured, organized, and motivational approach to coaching. Beyond his corporate experience, Chuong’s passion has always revolved around sports—especially badminton, soccer, swimming, and tennis.
As an avid badminton enthusiast, Chuong has spent years honing his own skills while sharing his knowledge and love of the sport with young players. His coaching style emphasizes discipline, teamwork, strategic thinking, and personal development. He takes immense pride in mentoring kids, fostering both athletic ability and confidence.
Chuong’s volunteer work with Calgary Meals on Wheels and the Centre for Newcomers reflects his empathy, patience, and ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life—qualities that are essential in coaching young athletes. His experience in mentoring, combined with his passion for badminton and genuine commitment to youth development, makes him a great fit for a coaching role at Rising Star Sports Academy.
Aftab Ali is a highly experienced and dedicated Badminton Coach with over 13 years of professional coaching expertise and a lifelong passion for the sport. Holding a Bachelor of Physical Education and certified in advanced badminton coaching, Aftab has cultivated a career marked by player development, tactical training, and leadership. Since 1998, he has been an active member of Swat Badminton Club in Pakistan, later joining Genesis Badminton Club in Calgary in 2012, where he continues to coach athletes of all levels.
As both a player and coach, Aftab’s extensive exposure has shaped his coaching philosophy emphasizing technical precision, physical conditioning, mental toughness, and sportsmanship. His coaching has guided numerous players to success at local, provincial, and national competitions. Beyond technical skills, he creates a motivating, supportive environment that inspires athletes to grow, persevere, and excel.
Aftab’s appealing qualities include his strong leadership, excellent communication, and mentorship abilities. His experience in event planning, performance analysis, and one-on-one coaching makes him an invaluable asset to any team. Certified in CPR and First Aid, he prioritizes athlete safety alongside performance. Aftab Ali’s commitment, passion, and well-rounded coaching profile make him an ideal addition to Rising Star Sports Academy.
Simran Jakhar is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a strong background in counseling, recreation therapy, and patient care. She holds a Diploma in Psychology and Sociology from Lethbridge College and is certified in First Aid and CPR, equipping her with essential skills for mental health support and crisis management. Simran has built valuable experience working in diverse roles such as a Recreation Therapy Aide, Counselor, Receptionist, and Server/Hostess, consistently demonstrating exceptional interpersonal communication, program planning, and behavior monitoring abilities.
Her work in healthcare and community settings reflects her ability to foster positive environments, motivate individuals, and provide empathetic, solution-focused counseling. Simran’s experience in activity coordination, peer counseling, and disability awareness makes her especially adept at working with youth and individuals facing personal challenges.
Beyond her professional qualifications, Simran is an accomplished table tennis player and coach, bringing discipline, teamwork, and mentorship skills to her role. Her sports background enhances her coaching style, allowing her to connect with young athletes on both a personal and developmental level. As a Counselling Coach at Rising Star Sports Academy, Simran combines her passion for mental wellness and athletic performance to nurture well-rounded, confident, and resilient athletes.