Karachi: Veteran hockey Olympian Zafar Ahmed Khan earned laurels for his scintillating professional playing maneuvers from lovers and officials. But he also faced ordeals on hands of selection board and hockey officials during his illustrious career.

Born on December 14, 1929 in Bhopal (un-divided India) he played numerous national championships. He was awarded medal on his feats by then Vice Chancellor Aligarh Muslim University Zakir Hussain, who later became President of India. He was graduated from this varsity in 1950. He migrated to Chittagong (former East Pakistan now Bangladesh) and also played there. Later he moved to Punjab-Pakistan.

In sixties and seventies, Zafar played for Pakistan. He was 31 years old when he was selected on merit but he was dropped from national team for Olympics on unknown reasons. It was ordeal for him. He played for Pakistan Customs Department as well as for Customs Karachi. Renowned players like Islahuddin, Samiullah, Asad Malik, Shahnaz Sheikh, Qamar Zia, Jahangir, Anwar Ahmed Khan, Latifur Rehman, Akhtar Hussain and Abdul Waheed Khan were among his contemporaries.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 14 2023

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