Munawar-uz-Zaman

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Munawar-uz-Zaman (1952(?)–1994) was one of the best players of the Pakistan national field hockey team ever produced by Pakistan. He began his career in 1971 when he was 19 years old. When Tanveer Dar was injured midway through the semifinals, Munawwar had his first ever shot at penalty corner in an international match. He became an instant hero and household name in Pakistan by scoring the match winning goal against Pakistan's traditional rival, India.

Thereafter there was no looking back and Munawwar remained a pillar of strength for Pakistan until his retirement in 1980. During his career Pakistan won the Olympic silver medal in 1972 and the bronze medal in 1976. He led Pakistan to a magnificent victory in the 2nd Champions Trophy in 1980 at Karachi and Kuala Lumpur Quadrangular Gold. During his career, he scored a total of 44 goals in 119 matches. In the early 1990s Munawwar started working with the Pakistan team as a coach.

The high ranking bank officer passed away in 1994 literally with his boots on. He died of cardiac arrest during a break while practicing with the Pakistan team for veterans World Cup. In 1997 the Pakistan government awarded Munawar-uz-Zaman a posthumous Pride of Performance award.[1]