The Christian community is known to have contributed immensely to Pakistan in many fields – education, judiciary, armed forces, healthcare, municipality, civil and police administration, social welfare, theatre, music and sport. In this photograph from 1974, we can see a historic mix of Pakistan’s national athletic champions. The four women pictured have the distinction of being the ‘Fastest Women in Pakistan’ - from left, Dolores Almeida, Rose D’Lima, Sylvia D’Mello and Sophie Fernandes. The athlete standing fourth from the left is sprinter John Permal, the ‘Fastest Man in Pakistan’ for 10 consecutive years from 1964 to 1974. To Permal’s left is Norman Brinkworth, the 400 Meters Hurdles Champion of Pakistan and on the extreme left is Michael Gomes, the champion high jumper from Karachi.
PHOTO & TEXT: MENIN RODRIGUES
CONCEPT: SANAM MAHER
DESIGN: SAMRA AMIR
This August, The Express Tribune will feature photographs from contributions to an open call for images from the struggle for independence and Pakistan’s formative years.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th,2014.
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What a treat it was to see both Messrs Brinkworth and Permal run, specially when nobody cared what creed, color or faith one was. John's fearsome dash and Norman's fluid hurdling was such poetry in motion. I still remember the miniature Adidas joggers Mr Brinkworth brought for my father from Munich. Two very fine sportsmen and even finer gentlemen.
we welcome you to new Pakistan where you stand no chance
Great Pakistanis. Sad that we never knew about these bright stars since media never highlighted their successes before.