By Rashid Ali Siddiqui, Karachi: Pakistan’s one of the great hockey hero Olympian Anwar Ahmed Khan breathed his last in Karachi on May 2, 2014. He was 81 since he was born on September 24, 1933 in Bhopal, India. With his demise a golden chapter of Pakistan hockey ended. He was a gold medalist and twice silver medalist of Olympic Games.
With his brilliance as Centre-Half, he earned fame and respect. He was the instrumental in winning first Olympic Games gold medal when on his all-important pass, legendary Naseer Bunda scored decisive goal against India in final of 1960 Rome Olympics.
He was the member of Pakistan hockey team that participated in 1956 Melbourne Olympics and 1964 Tokyo Olympics and won silver medals.
Anwar was originally chosen vice-captain of the Pakistan squad for the 1964 Olympic Games at Tokyo but he had to lead the team in most of the matches which skipper Manzoor Hussain Atif had to miss because of injuries. Pakistan claimed silver medal at Tokyo.
Anwar represented Pakistan in a couple of editions of the Asian Games, Tokyo (1958) and Jakarta (1962), and on both occasions helped Pakistan win the gold.
He had a remarkably successful international career. He also served Pakistan hockey in various capacities as manager and coach. —— By Rashid Ali Siddiqui
Lahore, May 2, 2014: Condolence by PHF: Akhtar Rasool Chaudhary, President PHF, Rana Mujahid Ali, Secretary General PHF, Olympian Anjum Saeed, Associate Secretary PHF, Olympian Iftikhar Syed, Olympian Danish Kaleem, Olympian Muhammad Akhlaq and Ajmal Khan Lodhi have offered heart-felt condolence on the sad demise of Anwar Ahmed Khan Ex-Olympian, who passed away in Karachi.
Akhtar Rasool Chaudhry, Rana Mujahid Ali and PHF Staff prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in His Infinite Mercy and also prayed fortitude for the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
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