A FEW days ago, Pakistan lost Abdul Rasheed Junior, one of its greatest hockey players to have ever graced the once-famed greenshirt.

Rasheed Junior, as he was known to one and all, was among the finest players of his era who represented Pakistan and played a vital role in victories on many an occasion His hat-trick of goals against Holland in 1968 was probably one of his most potent performances.

He represented Pakistan in 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics and also led the side that won the hockey World Cup in 1971 that was held in Lahore.

His career tally of goals was just short of a century which remains an amazing feat for a spearhead.

Rasheed Junior certainly had a long and glorious career.

Apart from being a prolific scorer, he was also a successful captain who led his side from the front.

When the downfall of hockey started in Pakistan, he was among a bunch of former players who took steps for the revival of the national game.

It is quite disappointing that neither the Pakistan Hockey federation (PHF) nor the government bothered to support him when he needed it in his last days. Rasheed Junior has left behind a rich legacy and countless memories.

May his soul rest in peace.

Kamran Khamiso Khowaja

Sujawal

(2)

NOT many people may know that hockey Olympian Abdul Rasheed Junior, who once held the record of having scored the maximum number of goals for Pakistan in international hockey, was the younger brother of Brig. Abdul Hameed, a.k.a. Hameedi, who was also an Olympian and captain of Pakistan hockey team for many years in the 1950s and 1960s.

Though highly deserving, Rasheed could not make a place in the team as long as Hameedi was the national captain. Hameedi was an upright sportsman of great calibre who did not want to be accused of nepotism by bringing in his younger brother in the team.

However, Brig. Atif, who was not only a contemporary of Hameedi but also a strong contender for the top position in the national hockey, inducted him in the team.

Rasheed used to play as right-in, but Atif, after consultation with Air Marshal Nur Khan, another sports icon and PHF president, made him play as centre-forward — a position at which it was a treat to watch him score goal after goal, displaying unmatchable dexterity and nimbleness with sharp reflexes.

That was the golden era of our hockey and the men at the top were of great character who kept sports above everything else, completely devoid of any favouritism or personal gains.

Col (retd) Riaz Jafri

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2020