THERE are a number of prominent academicians, all professors, who have played a vital role in the promotion of sports in the city in yore. Unfortunately, most of them have now passed away but their mentoring and support for sports and sportspersons can never be forgotten.

Prof Anwar Chowdhry: Late Anwar Chowdhry who served as International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) President for two decades, 1986-2006 — was the highest decorated Pakistani sports administrator among all globally.

An engineer by profession, he served the NED University in different teaching capacities before becoming head of Mechanical Engineering Department in 1970. He took retirement in 1977.

He served as the organising secretary of 1970, 1976 and 1980 National Games and chairman of 1980 Games. All these Games were held at Karachi.

He was involved with a number of local sports associations for years before moving to AIBA.

His association with AIBA is a history now.

Prof Hashmatullah Lodhi: A former professor of Botany and Principal of S M College, the soft-spoken Lodhi remained a backbone for uplift of sports, not only in his own institution but for hundreds of sportsmen in the metropolis.

Born in Lucknow in 1929, he was an active hockey player during his hey days and played as inside left for Lucknow Young Men Association.

After partition, he kept knocking on the doors of the game and also attended the national hockey camp at Quetta but unfortunately he could not make it and left the game in disgust.

He retired as Additional Secretary, Education, Sindh and passed away on March 17, 2019.

Prof A. M. Farid: He was a respected figure and had a passion for sports. He was a regular at sports events, particularly athletics.

Farid also served as secretary of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) in its formative years. He also managed Pakistan athletics team to Iran in 1973 and China twice in 1978 and 1980.

Born on Oct 23, 1923, he also served as chairman of the Board of Intermediate Education, Karachi, Principal S. M. Arts and Commerce College and director Colleges. He died in Karachi at the age of 74.

Prof Abdul Latif Khokhar: Khokhar was synonymous with D. J. Science College and was loved by all for his interest in sports. He was Prof of Sindhi besides being in charge of sports.

Born in 1930 in Karachi, he used to hunt for promising sportsmen on different playgrounds across the city and bring them into his fold by offering admissions in the first year on sports basis, a practice he did for four decades.

It was due to his keen interest that D. J Science College won the Inter-collegiate general championship 39 out of 40 years. The college also had the honour of producing a large number of Olympians, internationals and Test cricketers.

He also served as director Sindh Sports Board (SSB) from 1990 to 1992. After his retirement, he served as coordinator SSB from 1993 to 1997. He also remained member of Sindh Public Service Commission.

Prof Mukarram Ali Sherwani: Born in 1935 in a small town Sikandria near Aligarh, he passed his matriculation from Muzammil Islamia High School and migrated to Pakistan in 1948.

A professor of Political Science, Mukarram, who died in 1993 at the age of 58 while in active service, had a long association with National College, as a student, lecturer, professor, sports in charge and finally as Principal.

National College was considered among the top colleges in sports during his association with the institution.

Mukarram was also a hockey commentator, a passion he developed late in his life. He also toured abroad with Pakistan hockey teams as a commentator several times.

Prof Syed Siraj-ul-Islam Bukhari: He is a senior cricket administrator and remained the longest serving Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) secretary for 27 years — 1983 to 2010. He had succeeded the late Essa Jaffer.

Bukhari was elected unopposed as KCCA President in 2010.

Born in Delhi in 1940, the 80-year-old spent his life for the cause of game. A number of local talented cricketers emerged on the horizon and earned Test caps during his distinguished association with the game.

He overcame a lot of opposition when allegedly a group of people founded the Karachi Divisional Cricket Association (KDCA).

A Professor of Physics, Bukhari also served as Principal of Government Nabi Bagh College and National College.

Prof Ejaz Faruqi: He taught chemistry in PECHS Foundation College for quarter-of-a-century before taking retirement. He is the president of Unikarians, alumni of Karachi University graduates since 2016.

A dedicated cricket organiser, he served as secretary KCCA for three years before elevating to the post of president where he served for another three years. He also remained member of the PCB Board of Governors.

Faruqi is popular figure in social circles. He had served as president of Karachi Arts Council for three years. Presently, he is secretary of Arts Council.

The late Prof. M. A. Khan had done a commendable job for sports while serving in Premier College. All these educational institutions have served as a nursery d ue to dedication of a few individuals who have left a legacy behind.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2020