Former players laud Dar’s achievements

Olympic gold medal winner passed away yesterday.

KARACHI:

Former hockey legends recalled Munir Dar’s staunch defending and Olympic gold winning performances after the full-back passed away yesterday.

Dar, who was part of the squad that won Pakistan’s first gold medal, also served as team manager in the 1980s.

According to Shahnaz Sheikh, Dar’s technique and skill was regarded as an example for full-backs.

“He would’ve been ruthless had he been playing right now,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “When I played with him in the 1960 Olympics, I saw the opponents panic. His covering was something to learn from. It was extremely difficult to dodge him.”

Sheikh added that apart from being an active athlete, Dar played a huge role in introducing many hockey players to the national team.

Meanwhile, Islahuddin Siddiqi said that Dar’s knowledge of the sport made him the most sought-after manager for Pakistan. Being the exciting player he was, Siddiqi also recalled how Dar would draw crowds when he played for the national side.

Dar was suffering from cancer and was bed-ridden for the last two months.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2011.