Hockey legend Munir Dar passes away

LAHORE: Former hockey Olympian, Munir Ahmad Dar, who won laurels in hockey to Pakistan in late 50’s died here in wee hours on Wednesday. Dar, 76, was laid to rest in the afternoon at Defence graveyard.

Known as one of the finest full backs Pakistan has ever produced, Dar belonged a hockey lineage and had the unique distinction of representing the country in the first ever appearance of Pakistan team in 1956 Melbourne Olympics where it won silver medal.

Dar was again part of the silver medal Pak Olympic team which lost to India in the final of 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Known for his wits among his family members and friends, Dar was suffering from lungs cancer for the last six months.

A out spoken and friendly figure, Dar till his last breath remained attached with the hockey and other sports, being the founder member of a hockey academy being run in the memory of his late brother, Tanvir Dar, an established penalty corner shooter of the past Besides hockey he has a great passion for horses and owned horses which were regularly participating in Lahore horse club races. His passion with horses got stronger and he was known as a authority on top horses of the country.

He had a long association with the Pakistan Karate Federation and was its President for many years. He was also an executive committee member of Pakistan Rugby Union.

A large number of former hockey Olympians, friends and family members attended the funeral prayers held at Allah-o-Akbar Mosque in Defence.