Glasgow Curry Restaurateur 'Chico' Takes on Lawn Bowls Elite 2026

Glasgow curry restaurateur Mohammed Ayub Qureshi, known as 'Chico', is set to face the 'creme de la creme' of lawn bowls at the Commonwealth Games, balancing his restaurant duties with elite sports competition. His journey from running Alishan Tandoori to representing Pakistan on the international stage is a testament to passion and dedication. Qureshi's story highlights how business owners can pursue athletic dreams while managing thriving enterprises.

From Curry House to Bowls Green

Qureshi began playing lawn bowls nearly 30 years ago, thanks to a chance connection with his bank manager at the curry house. What started as a casual introduction quickly became a serious pursuit, leading him to become Pakistan's most recognisable lawn bowler. His teammate, Maqsood Waseem Khan, serves as secretary of the Pakistan Lawn Bowls Federation, and together they form a formidable pairs team.

Their partnership spans continents—Qureshi lives in Glasgow while Khan trains in Pakistan. Despite the distance, they make it work, with Khan flying in for international competitions. Their diverse backgrounds show that lawn bowls is accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort, regardless of profession or location.

The Challenge Ahead: Facing Australia's Best

In their upcoming match, Qureshi and Khan face Australia's Corey Wedlock and Aaron Teys. Wedlock is a three-time world champion, and Australia leads the medal table with over 60 medals. The odds may be stacked against them, but Qureshi remains optimistic: "I feel excited to be playing with the best. Hopefully we'll learn something and take something home."

This mindset of learning from elite competitors is a valuable lesson for any business owner. Just as Qureshi embraces the challenge on the greens, entrepreneurs can view tough competition as an opportunity for growth. His playful threat of serving spicy vindaloo if they lose adds a touch of humour to the high-stakes match.

Balancing Business and Sport

Running a successful restaurant while competing internationally is no small feat. Qureshi has spent decades serving customers at Alishan Tandoori, yet he still finds time to train and compete. His story is an inspiration for small business owners who dream of pursuing other passions.

Key takeaways from Qureshi's approach include:

• Prioritise time management to accommodate both business and personal goals.
• Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, not setbacks.
• Build a support network—whether it's a bank manager or a teammate—to help you succeed.
• Maintain a positive attitude even when facing formidable opponents.

Lawn Bowls: A Sport for Everyone

Lawn bowls is often seen as a leisurely activity, but it demands precision, strategy, and mental toughness. The Commonwealth Games showcase the sport's competitive edge, attracting top athletes from around the world. For Qureshi, it's a chance to represent his heritage while living in Scotland, blending two cultures seamlessly.

His participation also highlights the growing diversity in sports, breaking stereotypes about who can be an athlete. As a restaurateur, he brings a unique perspective to the game, proving that professional success doesn't preclude athletic achievement.

Comparison: Business vs. Bowls Strategy

What This Means for Aspiring Athletes

Qureshi's story shows that it's never too late to chase a dream. Starting bowls in his 30s, he has reached the Commonwealth Games—a remarkable achievement. For business owners, this serves as a reminder that passion projects can coexist with professional responsibilities.

His invitation to Australia's team for dinner after the match, win or lose, exemplifies sportsmanship. It's a lesson in humility and hospitality, traits that also benefit any business leader. By fostering goodwill, even with competitors, you build a reputation that lasts.

FAQ

As the Commonwealth Games continue, all eyes will be on Qureshi and Khan as they take on the Australian duo. Regardless of the outcome, their participation is a victory for perseverance and cross-cultural sportsmanship. For those inspired by Qureshi's journey, the message is clear: with dedication, you can excel in multiple arenas—whether it's serving curry or delivering a perfect bowl.