ABBOTTABAD: Olympic hockey gold medalist Fazalur Rehman alias Bulla was buried in his native village, Banda Phagwarian, here on Thursday.

He died after a protracted illness at the age of 84.

His funeral prayers were attended by hundreds of people from different walks of life, including sportsmen.

The left wing player, who started his hockey career in hometown in the 1960s, was part of the national team, who won the gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, the 1971 first World Cup of Hockey in Barcelona and the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, and the silver medal in the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

He also received the Pride of Performance from the government.

Mr Rehman remained part of the national and domestic PIA teams from 1966 to 1975. He was known for his artful stick work and wrist work control, and was considered to be a hard defender to beat and doge. He scored a goal on a penalty stroke in an Olympic semifinal match against India.

His family members Naeem Akhtar, Arshad Munir, Mohammad Shamariz, Mohammad Muddassar Ali, Inamur Rehman, Shujaur Rehman and Taimur Naeem played hockey for the country. The Fazal Hockey Club named after them is considered to be one of the best clubs in the country.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2023