A golden era fades: Olympian Kh Zakauddin, hero of Pakistan’s first Olympic gold, passes away at 91
By
Asher Butt
Pakistan
hockey has lost one of its brightest and most enduring stars. Olympian Khawaja
Zakauddin, a distinguished forward of the golden era and the coach who guided
Pakistan to its last Olympic gold, passed away in Lahore at the age of 91,
leaving the hockey fraternity in deep mourning.
A
skillful forward who represented Pakistan from 1958 to 1966, Zakauddin played
56 international matches and scored 26 goals during the sport’s most glorious
years. Born on 27 October 1936 in Jalandhar, East Punjab, he rose to become one
of the finest players of his generation.
He
was a key member of the Pakistan side that claimed gold at the 1958 Asian Games
in Tokyo and successfully defended the title at the 1962 Asian Games in
Jakarta. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics he helped Pakistan secure the silver medal,
and in 1966 he added another Asian Games medal — silver in Bangkok — becoming
one of the few players to represent the country in three consecutive Asian
Games.
His
playing career coincided with Pakistan’s rise as a world hockey power. After
retiring as a player, Zakauddin devoted himself to coaching and administration.
He served as coach of the Pakistan team that won the 1982 Hockey World Cup in
Mumbai and, most famously, as head coach of the side that claimed gold at the
1984 Los Angeles Olympics — Pakistan’s third and final Olympic hockey title to
date.
He
also served the national team as chief selector and manager across several
decades, always carrying the quiet dignity and deep sense of responsibility
that defined him.
In
recognition of his lifelong service, he was awarded the Pride of Performance in
2009. Even in later years he remained a thoughtful voice for the game, speaking
with the authority of someone who had witnessed both the heights of Pakistan
hockey and its painful decline.
Zakauddin
is survived by four sons — Kamran Zaka, Irfan Zaka, Imran Zaka and Salman Zaka
— all of whom themselves played hockey at a good level. His daughter is married
to fellow Olympian Tauqir Dar, continuing a proud family tradition in the
sport.
His
departure closes a living chapter of Pakistan hockey’s greatest era. For those
who grew up watching the national team dominate the world, Zakauddin was more
than a player or coach. He was a quiet guardian of excellence, grace and
national pride. The green shirt never found a more faithful servant.
May
Allah grant him the highest ranks in Jannah and give strength to his family and
the entire hockey community. Ameen.
Khawaja
Zakauddin (1936–2026)
Player
| Coach | Legend
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