By Ijaz Chaudhry
Certain dates hold great significance in a nation's life.
For Pakistanis, September 09, 1960 is one such date. That day, the country won its first Olympic gold medal in any sport, when Pakistan defeated India in the hockey final.
The nation had waited for 12 years.
Before Pakistan's birth in 1947, the united British India team had won three consecutive Olympic Games hockey gold medals. Muslim players made up a significant proportion of these teams from India. Hence, an Indo-Pakistan final was expected in the first post-Partition Olympiad in 1948. But the Pakistan side failed to land even bronze medal, finishing fourth. Four years later, in the 1952 Olympics, Pakistan again ended fourth .
This led to serious soul-searching. Pakistan Hockey Federation formed a five-member committee.
The committee made a number of recommendations including:
Instead of the selection committee formed of 'quota' representatives from all the affiliated units, a new selection committee should be formed comprising only the reputed former players.
There will be no undue pressure on players. They can use sticks and shoes of their own choice.
The captain's power and authority were increased.
To spot new talent, several tournaments were to be organized across all provinces.
All this paid off. At the 1956 Olympics, Pakistan reached the final for the first time and faced India. Pakistan lost 0-1. However, Pakistan won its first Olympic medal in any sport.
On September 09, 1960, the nation's long-held dream was fulfilled. Pakistan defeated India 1-0 in the hockey final of Rome Olympics.
This led to hockey being officially declared Pakistan's National Game by the country's President Ayub Khan.
Khawaja Zakuddin is one of only two survivors (Brigadier Zafar Hayat is the other) from the 1960 gold medal-winning team.
Olympian Forum is a WhatsApp Group comprising country's many hockey stalwarts, distinguished sports persons from other disciplines, sports journalists, and hockey lovers.
On September 09, 2026, some group members visited Khawaja Zakauddin at his Lahore home to celebrate the historic day. They included former Pakistan captain, legendary Manzoorul Hassan (World Cup winner 1978), great penalty corner specialist Khalid Bashir (World Cup silver medallist, 1990 & Olympic bronze medallist, 1992), renowned sports journalist Ijaz Chaudhry and former national hockey player Rana Abdul Shakoor.
90 -year-old Zakauddin is not in very good health. Still, he recalled some memories of the 1960 Olympics. He was presented with a bouquet and a card on behalf of the Olympian Forum.
Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him & his work, visit http://www.sportscorrespondent.info