akistan’s hockey team may not be the best in the world these days but during the 1960s and the 1970s, it was the best in the world. There were many who were responsible for this domination, but the name of Islahuddin stands out due to his brilliant captaincy record, his ability to score goals and blunt the penalty corner strikes as well with his speedy dash. Aptly titled Dash Through My Life, is his story.
Co-authored by sport scribe Humair Ishtiaq, this autobiography tells about Islah’s early days in his own words. He dedicates his success to his loving parents and their teachings, tells how he developed a love for the national sport and why he chose the game over his other favourite — cricket. He tells about his friends from pre- and post-hockey days and one would be surprised to know that renowned film actor Nadeem and cricket legend Zaheer Abbas were his colleagues in college. He also praises Dilip Kumar, the famous actor, who became Islah’s fan and friend in the course of his career.
Not many know that Islah was termed as the fastest man in field of hockey. His deadly dash from the cage, he writes, was found to be too fast for European scientists who dope tested him to be certain. He also speaks about his failure to win an Olympic Gold in two attempts; something he claims haunts him still. He laments how he missed being part of the 1968 Olympic Winning Squad, and how, in subsequent attempts, fate and umpiring blunders deprived him of the honour. He, however, also paints the picture of his triumphs as the only captain to have won the gold medal at the World Cup, the Champions Trophy as well as Asian Games.
The narrative throughout the book is candid and animating, making the reader feel that the writer is talking about his exploits. He narrates some interesting happenings during his career, such as the decision to ban the whole Pakistan team in 1972, the stunning Japanese win over the Dutch that got Pakistan into the first World Cup final in 1975 as well as the disputed goal against Pakistan in that very World Cup Final. He also talks at length about his successful foray into sport writing and commentary, as well as his piece of mind for the betterment of the game and the reasons for its downfall.
Chronologically written, this book features some never-seen-before pictures of this legendary player. There is also a foreword each by the legendary Dutch player Paul Litjens and India’s World Cup winning captain Ajitpal Singh. By penning down this autobiography, Islah has joined the ranks of the very few Pakistanis who have told their story and contributed to the sport literature and its history. Dash Through My Life, will prove to be a trendsetter, just like it’s a storyteller! — Seema Faruqi
