The Zafar Iqbal and Mohammed Shahid combination was a match made in heaven, a partnership that struck fear into rival defences through the 1980s. While Shahid passed away nine years ago due to a kidney ailment, Zafar saab still treasures those golden years that brought Indian hockey to life.
As India celebrated 100 years of hockey on Friday with Hockey India and the Union Sports Ministry joining hands, nostalgia swept over the former captain.
We played together in national colours for about six or seven years. He was simply extraordinary, not always a big scorer, but he created goals for others. In the 1980 Moscow Olympics final, he destroyed Spain’s defence. We were up 3-0 at half-time.
Golden Glory in Moscow
The 1980 Moscow Olympics remain etched in Indian sporting history as the last hockey gold for the country. Zafar played under captain K. Bhaskaran, before leading India to a silver at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi.
His career also included a silver at the 1978 Asian Games and a bronze at the 1982 Champions Trophy, along with numerous international triumphs across Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Astroturf or grass, it didn’t matter. Shahid could always wrong-foot defenders with his dribbling.
Yet, his biggest regret remains the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where India finished fifth despite, in his view, having a more balanced side.
‘We Got a Cycle and a Briefcase Each’
India’s next Olympic podium in hockey would not come until Tokyo 2020, where Manpreet Singh’s men clinched bronze after four decades.
Personally, that bronze was worth its weight in gold – both in Tokyo and Paris. In our time, when we came back from Moscow after winning gold, each player received an Atlas bicycle and a briefcase.
He laughed heartily at the memory, a reminder of how much the sporting world – and its rewards – have changed.
A Century of Indian Hockey: Saluting the Visionaries
Reflecting on Indian hockey’s 100-year journey, the Padma Shri awardee praised those who laid the foundations of success.
Everyone knows about Major Dhyan Chand and our great players, but the administrators also deserve credit. The Indian Hockey Association, founded in Gwalior in 1925 under Pankaj Gupta, was the first national body outside Europe to be recognised by the FIH. That opened the door for India to compete in the 1928 Olympics.
Having served as a coach and national selector, he understands both the glory and the grind behind the sport’s evolution.
So Near, Yet So Far
People sometimes overlook the effort behind finishing fourth or fifth. Who wants to lose a medal match? But that’s sport. For example, we won the 1975 World Cup, but in 1973 we led 2-0 in the final before losing. We even missed a penalty stroke in sudden death. History remembers the medals – bronze in 1971, silver in 1973, and gold in 1975 – but not how close we were each time.”
On India–Pakistan Rivalry and the Road Ahead
Does he miss the old India–Pakistan hockey rivalry?
“It’s not for me to comment, but I think their administration has failed them. In India, our national teams are engaged all year. Hockey India has systems in place, Odisha has done a lot for hockey, and SAI has been very proactive,” he observed.
Looking ahead, Zafar is optimistic about the Junior Men’s World Cup later this month in Chennai and Madurai.
We must show the world that India still produces champions. We won the 2016 Junior World Cup, and I hope we finish on the podium again in 2025.
Pull Quote Option for Visual Emphasis: “When we came back from Moscow after winning gold, we each got an Atlas cycle and a briefcase. That was our reward – and our pride.”
