KARACHI: Pakistan hockey legends Hasan Sardar, Samiullah Khan, Salim Sherwani, Iftikhar Syed and Tahir Zaman on Thursday called for the newly-developed hockey stadium in Gojra to be named after the late Ustad Aslam Roda for his immense contribution to the game in the country.

“He was an icon as a coach and teacher and deserves credit for his grand contribution for Pakistan hockey. He was a hockey academy in himself,” former centre-forward Hasan, who led Pakistan to the 1982 World Cup and the 1984 Olympic gold medal, pointed out.

“He was not rewarded during his life time but he should be honoured now. He trained the players with great zeal and devotion.”

Former captain Samiullah, a team-mate of Hasan during their famous triumphs of 1982 and 1984, agreed.

“It will be a good tribute him if the Gojra stadium is named after him,” he stressed. “Roda played a vital role in preparing and developing the talent in the country.”

Another member of those teams Salim Sherwani also wants the same.

“Roda was a dedicated worker and his contribution can never been forgotten,” he said. “He never looked for any personal or financial gains.”

While Roda did not play internationally for Pakistan, his brothers Mohammad Asghar and Mohammad Sarwar and cousin Mohammad Azam all went on to feature for the country.

His nephew Mohammad Tausiq Ahmed is part of the Pakistan team currently on the tour of New Zealand.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2017