Unsung Heroes of Pakistan

Abdul Khaliq; a name known to very few people despite the countless medals, honors and achievements associated with it in the national and international arena. Born on 23rd March 1933, Abdul Khaliq was a resident of the city of Jhand in Pakistan. His career as an athlete took flight in 1954 when he was dubbed the “Fastest Man in Asia” after completing a 100-metre run in a record time of just 10.6 seconds at the Manila Asian Games. Following his triumph at Manila, Khaliq had the honor of raising the country’s flag at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and the Rome Olympics in 1960 as the only Pakistani to do so.

He went on to achieving wonders in the national as well as international space when he bagged 100 gold medals nationally and 26 gold and 23 silver medals internationally. The following is a list of some of his international endeavors:

• 1954 Asian Games

100m gold medal

4 × 100 m relay silver medal

Dubbed “The Flying Bird of Asia” by Jawaharlal Nehru, the chief guest.

• Commonwealth and British Empire Games

100-yard semi-finalist

4×110-yards finalist.

• Melbourne Olympics

Won the 100m gold medal

Won the 4x100yd gold medal.

Ranked in the top 7 best athletes at the time

• World Military Games 1957

Secured second position in the 100m dash

• 1958 Asian Games at Tokyo

Defended his title in the 100m race

Won 3 more medals in the 3rd Asian Games helping Pakistan secure 2nd position in athletics and 6th overall.

• Presidential Award 1958

Perhaps the biggest achievement in Khaliq’s career was when he was given the Presidential Award Pride of Performance in 1958 by the President of the country, Ayub Khan.

During the countless successes of his career, Abdul Khaliq moved towards coaching and imparting his wisdom on young, aspiring athletes. Over the course of around 12 years, Abdul Khaliq worked as a coach at several different positions including as a national coach and for the army as well.

Khaliq’s life is the perfect display of hard-work, determination and the will to strive high. Athletes like Khaliq are seldom found in a nation and Pakistan is truly honored to be associated with a personality so great and legendary. Unfortunately, the people of Pakistan lost one of the most deserving and praise-worthy athletes of its history on 10th March 1988. Despite his innumerable achievements and contributions towards promoting the name of the country and making its citizens proud, there are very few people outside of his hometown that can remember what a great legend Abdul Khaliq was. As heart-wrenching as it is, Abdul Khaliq is one of the those people to whom this country is and will be forever indebted.

What is this page about?

There are times in every country’s history that one of its nationals takes control of the reigns of their own destiny and with unparalleled determination accomplishes the unthinkable. Such events shape the image of the country in the international world and one of the most valuable fields that Pakistanis have managed to excel in is sports. Sports is one of the most important aspects in the development of a nation and the people of Pakistan have always had a special attachment to all kinds of sports. Whether it is children playing stick cricket on the streets or the whole family gathered in front of the TV set watching a nail-biting match; sports has always played a major role in bringing the Pakistani people together and it is no surprise that Pakistan has produced some of the biggest stars in the sporting world.

These people have played their part in promoting the most positive image of the country on the national and international stage and they have each rightfully earned the title of a “hero” in the truest sense of the word. A hero is a person who becomes a source of inspiration, motivation and encouragement for the people that look up to him/her. This is done through displaying high standards of hard work and numerous achievements. Remembering and celebrating the life and achievements of a nation’s heroes helps it grow and promotes a strong sense of unity, faith and discipline in its people; three words that are engraved on every Pakistani’s heart.

While being exceptionally good at the respective sports they play is rewarding in itself, there are many times when we, as a nation, fail to provide these legends with the recognition they deserve. It can be rightfully inferred that the world inadvertently places special focus on celebrated footballers, crickets and tennis players all the while ignoring some of the most talented and hard-working individuals who failed to make it to the front pages of newspapers or the headlines news because their stories weren’t glamorous enough. Such personalities are known as the unsung heroes of our country and the purpose of this blog is to highlight their achievements, life-stories and all the other reasons that make them fully worthy of recognition, praise and tributes. This blog delves into the little-known facts about these individuals with the intention to shine a light on the enormous favors they have done for our country and how we, as a nation, should forever feel indebted to them. We will take this opportunity to celebrate the achievements and learn from the lives of a few outstanding sports persons; giving recognition and respect to whom is long overdue.

"Sport has the power to change the world,” Mandela said. “It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” – Nelson Mandela. What is more important then just sports is remembering your heroes who made name for themselves and the nation, to learn from their lives and give them the respect and praise they deserve.