By Ijaz Choudhry
Anwaar Ahmed Khan, who passed away recently, is widely regarded as Pakistan hockey’s greatest centre half. In his international career (1956-66), Anwaar made a vital contribution in country’s early major successes.
The legendary player was born in Bhopal, presently the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in 1933. Hockey was the most popular sport in Bhopal. Princess Abida Sultan, the ruler of the princely state, herself played hockey and patronised a club Noorus Saba for children. She had developed a wonderful hockey ground near her palace, and the little Anwaar played there for her club.
In 1949, at the young age of 16, Anwaar was selected by Bhopal Wanderers, city’s best outfit, who competed in All India tournaments.
In 1950, like so many young Indian Muslims of the time, Anwaar migrated to Pakistan. Luckily, the cream of the Bhopal hockey had already been playing for the Ali Autos team in Karachi. He fitted well in the star studded team; there was no looking back. In 1952, Anwaar appeared in his maiden national championships. Soon, he caught the attention of the selectors and was called for the national camp in 1954. However, an injury delayed his international debut.
He wore the national colours for the first time at the 1956 Olympics. Pakistan were a disappointment in first two Olympic appearances in 1948 and 1952, finishing fourth each time. In 1956, Pakistan made it to their first ever Olympic final where they lost 0-1 to India; a disputed goal. Still, the country had its first ever Olympic medal of any hue.
In the next mega event, the 1958 Asian Games, Pakistan met India in the last fixture of the tournament played as a single league. India trailing on goal average, needed to win but the match ended goalless. Pakistan won the gold, and India failed to win an international tournament for the first time. The legendary Indian centre forward Balbir Singh paid tribute, “If India could have a centre half of Anwaar Khan’s caliber, they would be as dominating as before”.
Anwaar’s and indeed Pakistan hockey’s finest moment arrived at the 1960 Olympics when Pakistan dethroned India, the unbeaten Olympic champions since 1928. Then by beating India 2-0 in the final of the 1962 Asian Games, Pakistan confirmed their superiority.
He continued playing international hockey till 1966 but his last major tournament was the 1964 Olympics. Pakistan lost to India 0-1 in the final despite getting more goal scoring opportunities. Anwaar also captained the national side quite a few times including the Hamburg Festival in 1966, his last international outing. From three Olympics, he had one gold and two silvers while both his appearances in the Asian games fetched golds.
