Seema Jaswal: from TV runner to Premier League presenter
Meet Seema Jaswal, a multi-talented British TV anchor and presenter. She is a representative for the Premier League post-match reviews, Fantasy Premier League shows and Premier League Fan Zone show on Sky Sports.
The sports industry has always been seen as a ‘man’s world’ and many women have had discouraging experiences.
But Seema has become one of the first Asian women presenters to represent the Premier League and reaches 750 million viewers globally. Her experience has been nothing but positive in every field.
Jaswal, who is extremely popular on social media, says her favourite hashtag is #lovemyjob, “because I genuinely do!”
No negativity
Her success in the industry is a huge inspiration to a lot of females. She truly believes that everyone should do what they love, despite any blocks that may come your way.
“I am fortunate to have been in the industry at a time when things have changed so much for women in sport. especially in the UK,” she says.
“I have never faced any negativity about being female and have always worked with professionals that appreciate the work I do based on merit.”
Jaswal wanted to get a job in research or marketing after graduating from university. However, as she started applying for jobs she soon realised that her career needed to be both fulfilling and something she enjoyed.
She has always had a passion for tennis, and at one point she was determined to become a tennis coach. But she decided to keep that as a hobby and soon after she applied for a job at Sky Sports and started off her career as a runner.
Seema Jaswal
“Being a runner is an interesting job as the role varies from day to day. Occasionally you’re thrown into the deep end and asked to help out with shows, which opened my eyes to the possibility of presenting,” says Jaswal.
Her family have a Ugandan Asian background. Even today, girls with an Asian background can struggle to follow a path into the sports industry.
They are forced into careers which are more socially acceptable in their traditional society.
It is uncommon for a young Asian girl to be supported by her entire family, as Seema was, in pursuing a career in sports presenting.
Families look at the sports industry as very male dominated and panic when their daughters choose that path.
It is comforting for young girls to look up to role models like Seema Jaswal and aspire to be as successful.
Moving to India
After years of being a runner, Jaswal finally felt confident and ready to embrace any new opportunities that came her way.
She started off presenting CBBC’s Sports Round, a show that involved trying out lots of different sports on a weekly basis.
Jaswal was also the presenter on The Wright Stuff before relocating to India for 18 months to become the face of Indian football for Star Sports.
Soon after she moved to India she was offered an opportunity to work for the Premier League, which is when she decided to move back to London.
Seema Jaswal at the FIFA U-17 World Cup
The live events presenter was thrilled with an opportunity to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
It was her most recent and successful venture and it filled her with excitement, turning out to be one of her biggest achievements. It was great days for England as they went on to win the trophy.
“I really enjoyed seeing the tournament through from start to finish and it was an honour to host India’s first ever FIFA event with the likes of David Moyes, Stuart Pearce and Luis Garcia to name a few,” says Jaswal.
Role model
Many people seem to think women are treated worse than men and have no chance of growing within the sports industry. Seema, who has always been appreciated for her work based on merit is a prime example that the industry is very open towards everyone. The effort you put in is always rewarded in any field, irrespective of gender.
A lot of different countries treat women differently in the sporting world. However the UK has always been one of the more accepting and encouraging countries for women to pursue a career.
Jaswal covers two very different football leagues in The Premier League and the Indian Super League. The Premier league is an established league that is 26 years old with 20 teams competing in it and the ISL is a newly established league in its early stages of development.
The Premier League showcases some of the world’s greatest talents and the most exciting aspect in that any team can beat another on their day regardless of where they sit in the league table.
Jaswal has come very far in the industry. She has worked in many fields and she is destined for a big future within the industry. Being a female with an Asian background she is a huge role model to a lot of young girls.